Looking Back • March 1924

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of the Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper.

March 1, 1924

Valparaiso High School was defeated in the sectional tourney at Gary this morning by the Whiting team by a score of 30 to 26. Failure to hit the basket was the cause of the locals’ downfall. In the first game played by Valparaiso, Hobart was defeated 48 to 8. Other scores: Hammond 29, Hebron 8; Boone Grove 18, Chesterton 13; Lowell 33, Kouts 6; Crown Point 40, Miller 8; East Chicago 23, Emerson 21.

Katie Vukovich, Gary woman, convicted of manslaughter in connection with the killing of Andrew Yoko, in Gary several months ago, was released today under $5,000 bond by Judge Harry L. Crumpacker. Harold L. Stiles, of Gary, and Ira C. Tilton, of Valparaiso, attorneys for the Gary woman, secured her release by inducing Gary friends to post bail.

March 2, 1924

Valparaiso University basketball team lost to St. Viator College last night at Kankakee, Ill., by a score of 25 to 17. Three hundred people from Valparaiso attended the game. The defeat put Valpo in second place, with LaCrosse Normal in the lead, St. Viator is third. Columbia fourth, DePaul fifth, and Luther sixth.

Whiting won the sectional basketball tournament held at Gary by defeating Crown Point in the final game, 19 to 17. Whiting defeated East Chicago in the semifinals in an overtime, 30 to 29, while Crown Point won from Hammond, 20 to 13. In the all-tournament selections, Brown, of Valpo, won the center berth, and White in the running guard position.

March 3, 1924

The Porter County Commissioners today took up the matter of improving the Valparaiso-Chesterton Dunes Highway, with county road superintendent Joseph Crowe. Mr. Crowe announced that as soon as the frost left the ground, he would start a large force of men and equipment improving the road.

March 4, 1924

Negotiations for the purchase by the Samuel Insull interests of the Valparaiso Lighting Company, and light and power companies at LaGrange, Elkhart, and Plymouth, from the J. H. Brewer interests became known in Indianapolis yesterday. The deal, which according to reports heard in the financial district is practically completed, involves a total investment of more than $1,500,000 and forms an important link in the chain of public utility properties operated in Chicago and across northern Indiana by the Insull management and control.

March 5, 1924

Mrs. Margaret Lydickson, who owns most of the subdivision of Edgewater on Flint Lake, has sold her hotel and ground surrounding it with two cottages. H. F. Hanson is the new owner and will take possession April 1. Mrs. Lydickson is one of the pioneers of the Flint Lake vicinity.

The Porter County Commissioners yesterday awarded the contract to the Art Metal Company, of New York, for additional steel shelving and cabinet equipment for the Porter County Auditor’s Office at a bid of $724.50.

March 6, 1924

Howard Fishburn and Son have sold the Bakerite Bakery to A. Luebsch, of Chicago. The new proprietor took charge this morning. Mr. Fishburn and Son have been conducting the business for a number of years.

At Holland, Mich., last night, Valparaiso University basketball team defeated Hope College, 22 to 20. The night before, Kalamazoo was defeated by Valparaiso, 28 to 25. Tonight Valparaiso plays the Michigan Aggies at Lansing.

March 7, 1924 

At a meeting of the Valparaiso Lodge of Elks, it was voted to exercise the option for the purchase of the Lyman Dean property next to the lodge building on Lincolnway. Mr. Dean will move his plumbing business to part of the building on East Lincolnway recently acquired by the McMahan Company. The Dean building will be razed, and the space will be used for the new lodge building, which will be three stories high. The two upper floors will be used by the lodge and the lower floor for business firms.

The Michigan Aggies basketball team defeated Valparaiso University last night at Lansing, Mich., by a score of 22 to 12. It was the second defeat of the locals this season. The locals played three games on the trip, winning two.

March 8, 1924

Changes of venue in five murder cases have been granted to Lake County residents to Porter County. They are the cases of Vanetta Garner, William Garner, James Collins, and Steve Stankovich, of Gary, and Ella Hayden of East Chicago. All were indicted by a Lake County grand jury.

March 9, 1924

L. K. Wyckoff, Joseph Heinold and J. A. Warren have received gold medals in the five-acre corn contest. All three men raised more than 100 bushels per acre. Jerome Bartholomew, H.G. Warren, and A. I. Warren received silver medals, and Ralph Turner, L. E. Sutter, and S. I. Warren received bronze medals.

The Bartz Brothers, of Porter County, own the best producing herd cows in the state, according to word received by Porter County Agent A. Z. Arehart, from Purdue University. John Dinse, of Morgan Township, was second among the cow testing associations of the state with his herd, thus giving Porter County first and second places in the ranking.

March 10, 1924

Trial of Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, on charges of incompetency, was commenced this morning before the Porter County Commissioners. Representing Funk are Attorney Frank B. Parks, of Valparaiso, and Ralph N. Smith, of LaPorte. T. P. Galvin, Bruce Loring, and Prosecutor F. R. Marine are directing the case against Funk. Grant Crumpacker is representing the county attorney. John Brown, secretary of the state board of charities, was the first witness. He told of conditions at the infirmary as seen by him while on an inspection visit.

March 11, 1924

While bringing Ralph Watts, of Valparaiso, from Hobart to Valparaiso, an ambulance driven by Herman Pflughoeft, Hobart undertaker, skidded off the Lincoln Highway, between Ainsworth and Merrillville, and struck a telephone pole. Watts was not injured. Mrs. T. J. Watts, his mother, who was riding with him, suffered injuries to one of her legs. A Gary ambulance was called and brought the Valparaiso people to their home.

March 12, 1924

Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, on trial before the Porter County Commissioners on charges of incompetency, made slow progress today. Van Dolson Massey, an inmate, testified that Funk beat an inmate with a buggy whip. Three weeks later he died. Massey testified to other conditions at the infirmary including the time he saw Funk intoxicated. Girl inmates of feeble-minded institutions, which were formerly at the infirmary, were not allowed to testify.

Mrs. C. W. Boucher was elected president of the Valparaiso Woman’s Club at the annual election of the club held yesterday. Other officers were Mrs. E. H. Earle, first vice; Mrs. M. S. Campbell, second vice; Mrs. H. B. Kenny, recording secretary; Mrs. Roscoe Gaston, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J. F. Patrick, treasurer; Mrs. C. E. Barret, auditor; Mrs. C. H. DeWitt, federation secretary; Mrs. E. W. Chaffee, Mrs. A. R. Putnam and Mrs. G. W. Vann, directors.

March 13, 1924

Margaret Koensman, 17-year-old girl, created a sensation in Porter Circuit Court yesterday when she testified that Eugene T. Funk, former superintendent of the Porter County Infirmary, on trial for charges of incompetency, chained her at the institution. She ran away on several occasions because of alleged mistreatment, she testified.

The play, “Honor Bright,” was presented at the Premier Theatre last night by members of the Latin Department of Valparaiso University. Miss Edna Agar, local director, coached the principals in the production.

March 14, 1924

The Dean Plumbing Company, which sold its building on West Lincolnway to the Elks’ Lodge as part of the building site for the new lodge building, has acquired property on East Lincolnway of the McMahan Seed Company. Plans have been drawn to make the new location one of the finest plumbing shops in Northern Indiana.

The trial of Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, on charges of incompetency, was adjourned late this afternoon until March 25. Testimony today included depositions of witnesses who testified that when children were born to women inmates of the institution, Funk attended them as doctor.

March 15, 1924

Insanitary conditions at the Porter County Infirmary and that the superintendent, E. T. Funk, was intoxicated on numerous occasions, was given in testimony by witnesses in the trial of Funk yesterday afternoon before the Porter County Commissioners. Despite the fact that the trial was put on hold until March 25, scores of persons came to the courthouse today to attend the proceedings. They were a disappointed lot when they learned of the postponement.

Miss Thyra Sheffield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sheffield, east of Valparaiso, is to be featured in “Thank You Madame,” annual play given by the Junior Class of the University of Michigan.

March 16, 1924

Petitions asking that the practice of tuberculin testing of cattle be abolished are being circulated as a result of a rousing meeting held recently at Hurlburt. More than three hundred farmers were in attendance. It is the contention of the protesting farmers that the method of testing has proved injurious to the herds and unjust to the owners.

March 17, 1924

The Merchants’ Bureau of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and the officers and directors of the Porter County Better Farming Association will hold a joint banquet at the Hotel Lembke Wednesday evening. Prof. G. I. Christie, director of the agricultural extension department of Purdue University, will make the main address.

March 18, 1924

Five Lake County residents, charged with murder, have been brought to the Porter County Jail in Valparaiso, where they will be held pending their trials. The quintet took changes of venue to this county. The defendants are William and Vanetta Garner, James Collins, Ella Hayden, and Steve Stankovich.

March 19, 1924

James M. Sheldon, age 56, for ten years operator of the Hotel Spindler, now site of the Premier Theatre, died last night at his home on West Street. Before coming to Valparaiso, Sheldon operated hotels at Lansing and Niles, Mich. For the last three years, he was engaged in the floral business.

The Foster Lumber and Coal Company was the low bidder on the general contract for the construction of the new school in the first ward when bids were opened last night at the Central school. The local firm’s bid was $61,480.

March 20, 1924

Miss Anna Louise Bushore, age 32, stenographer in the law office of Daniel E. Kelly, and a member of the Porter County Bar, died this morning at Mercy Hospital, Gary, of a heart attack, following an operation for appendicitis. She was president of the Sphinx Club and Daughters of Isabella.

Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, today denied he is to resign his position. He stated that he is ready to defend his administration when his trial is resumed next Tuesday morning. Complainants against Funk, who is being tried on charges of incompetency, have finished their evidence which has been sensational in every way.

March 21, 1924

Arthur O. J. Kreiger, age 49 years, engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Chesterton, and for several years town clerk and treasurer, died at his home in Chesterton last night of pneumonia. He was organized as one of the Republican leaders in Porter County.

Harold Feltwell, age 17, of Hobart, was killed, and E. W. Porter, 28, of New Chicago, was seriously injured this morning when their automobile milk truck was struck by a Pennsylvania Railroad train at a grade crossing in Wheeler. The body of Feltwell was brought to Valparaiso, while Porter was taken to the Methodist Hospital in Gary.

March 22, 1924

Valparaiso’s first school of citizenship was held yesterday at Recital Hall, Valparaiso University. Addresses were made by Prof. S. C. Hoover, Prof. E. W. Agar, Dr. H. M. Evans, and Prof. F. H. Guild, the latter of Indiana University.

E. W. Porter, of New Chicago, injured in an auto-train crash near Wheeler yesterday, which claimed the life of Harold Feltwell, died last night in the Methodist Hospital, Gary, where he was taken following the accident. Coroner H. O. Seipel will conduct an inquest in the case Wednesday.

March 23, 1924

The Michigan City, Chesterton, Valparaiso, and Hebron bus was not allowed to operate on the Valparaiso-Chesterton Road today, being ordered off that road by Porter County Road Superintendent Joe Crowe because of its weight. The bus, however, was operated between Michigan City, Valparaiso, and Hebron, but had to miss Chesterton. The road from Valparaiso to Hebron is a state highway, and from Valparaiso to Westville a state highway, the rest of the way to Michigan City being over a LaPorte County highway.

Porter County Democrats met Saturday afternoon at Armory Hall in Valparaiso and nominated a county ticket for the coming election. Porter County Treasurer William O. McGinley will be a candidate for re-election; William Black, at present a member of the Valparaiso Police Department, will run for sheriff; Ira C. Tilton will contest for prosecutor, and William Domke and Isaac Jones will be candidates for Porter County Commissioner of the center and south districts, respectively. E. M. Passow was elected chairman; Mrs. Raymond Sherburne, vice-chairman, and Charles Quinn, of Porter Township, secretary, of the county organization.

March 24, 1924

Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, took the witness stand today in the hearing being held before the Porter County Commissioners on charges filed against him of incompetency and denied the numerous charges hurled against him by scores of witnesses. He was questioned by his attorneys, Ralph N. Smith and Frank B. Parks. Funk denied that he had even beaten Funston, an inmate, or that he had been intoxicated.

March 25, 1924

Five candidates have already filed for the Republican nomination for prosecutor of Porter County at the May primary. Those filed are J. S. Bartholomew, F. Ray Marine, C. D. Wood, W. W. Bozarth, and A. C. Faulkner.

March 26, 1924

The Foster Lumber & Coal Company, of Valparaiso, was awarded the general contract on the new first ward school building at its bid of $58,120 by the city school board at a special session Friday night. The Valparaiso Plumbing Company was given the heating; M. J. Beach & Son, the plumbing; the Powers Regulating Company, Chicago, the heat regulation; and the Van Ness Electric Company the electric wiring. The total contract figures $75,246.

A jury to try three Gary residents for murder was selected today in circuit court. Dwight Kinder, Lake County prosecutor, is handling the state’s case, and Attorneys McLaughlin and Hueston, of Gary, represent the defendants, William and Vanetta Garner, and James Collins, all charged with the slaying of William Rucker.

March 27, 1924

A building boom has hit Valparaiso. The new building, just completed by John Sievers for the home of the new Rexall Drug Store, will be opened on Saturday. Buildings to be built this summer in the city include the new $75,000 first ward school, the Valparaiso National Bank building, and the Valparaiso Lodge of Elks building. Work is now proceeding on the rebuilding of the Saran Apartments damaged by fire recently.

Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, on trial in the county commissioners’ court on charges of incompetency, placed a large number of character witnesses on the stand this morning. Among those who testified were Chris Bornholt, John Carlson, Fred Billideau, William Arnold, Harry Beltzhoover, and Charles Mann.

March 28, 1924

The district convention of undertakers was held yesterday afternoon and evening at Hotel Lembke with 55 members in attendance. Talks were made by E. J. Ragsdale, of Indianapolis, and Floyd Williamson, of Gary, president of the district association. At 6:30 o’clock, a banquet was served with Attorney T. P. Galvin as toastmaster. Talks were given by E. D. Hodges, chamber of commerce president; Valparaiso Mayor E. W. Agar, Rev. C. E. Burns, Wallace Sutter, chamber of commerce manager, and Joseph Kosiar, of Michigan City.

Closing arguments by attorneys in the trial of Eugene T. Funk, Porter County Infirmary Superintendent, were made today before the county commissioners. Attorneys Bruce B. Loring, F. Ray Marine, and T. P. Galvin made the pleas for the petitioners asking the removal of Funk, while Attorneys Ralph N. Smith and Frank B. Parks argued in defense of the infirmary head.

March 29, 1924

The new Rexall Drug Store opened for business in the new building on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso recently built by the Sievers Drug Company. John Sievers, senior member of the firm, started his mercantile career in 1900 when he formed a partnership with A. F. Heineman. In 1921, Mr. Sievers purchased the interest of his partner. The building occupied by the firm on South Washington Street will be operated until the expiration of the lease, which runs for two years.

The studio of M. M. Mudge, located in the new Sievers’ building on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso, was opened to the public Saturday. Hundreds of persons called at the new place during the day and night and souvenirs were given to all. The studio is one of the finest in northern Indiana.

March 30, 1924

Valparaiso and Porter County were storm swept Saturday evening and continued over into Sunday morning. Several inches of snow fell, and in the Hebron and Boone Grove vicinity, the storm assumed the aspects of a cyclone. Flint Lake is reported at its highest stage in years.

Donald McDonald, who tried to kidnap Valparaiso Policeman Robert Bryarly by driving with him to the rural section after the officer had climbed on the running board of McDonald’s machine in an attempt to stop him, was fined in Justice G. E. Bornholt’s court on a number of counts, including intoxication, resisting an officer, and receiving liquor from a common carrier. McDonald refused to stop when Bryarly hailed him and told him to drive to the station. “Station H—!” McDonald is credited with saying. “We are going to the country, where I am going to kill you.” Bryarly’s plight was discovered by Policeman William Black, who gave chase in another car, overtaking McDonald.

March 31, 1924

Officers of the Porter County Farm Bureau from every township in Porter County met at the county agent’s office here last night to hear M. J. Briggs, of Macy, Ind., talk on the wheat pool. Practically every wheat producer signed up to pool his wheat. Tonight Mr. Briggs will talk at Morgan Township, and Wednesday night at Wheeler.

Paul Nuppnau, Sr., who has been serving as cashier of the State Bank of Valparaiso since March 1, 1899, was honored last night at a dinner given at Hotel Lembke by directors of the bank, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of Mr. Nuppnau’s occupancy of the cashier’s job. Cashiers preceding Mr. Nuppnau were J. Hanford Skinner, John Stoner, and Leslie R. Skinner.

Looking Back • February 1924

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

February 1, 1924

The Saran apartment building near the corner of Napoleon and Lincolnway was badly damaged by fire shortly after noon today, resulting in a loss of many thousand dollars. The following families resided in the structure: Mark Palmer, Peter J. Horn, C. H. Parker, A. O. Bondy, Harry Conklin, and M. Filgiano. The fire started in a paper chute at the rear of the building. The building was constructed five years ago by Peter J. Horn, Louis, Gast and Joseph Henderlong. The building was badly gutted.

Robert Nelson, who has been a member of the Valparaiso City Police force for more than a year, handed in his resignation to Chief Charles Cook, effective last night. No one has been selected for the vacancy.

The poultry school held at Kouts was brought to a close last evening after a two-day session. There was a large attendance and exceptional interest shown in the meetings. Pleasant Township poultry raisers started a movement at the school to have a poultry show, with a possible short course in connection. The show will be held in Valparaiso and will be for the entire county.

February 2, 1924

Louis Gast, one of the owners of the Saran Apartment building, badly damaged by fire yesterday in Valparaiso, stated today that the building would be rebuilt at a cost of between $35,000 and $40,000. There was $22,500 insurance carried on the building. All of the occupants of the building had insurance except two, Messrs. Horn and Filgiano.

The Valparaiso High School Basketball team won two games at Lowell last night on the skating rink floor of the Lowell team. The first team won 27 to 17, and the second team 18 to 7.

February 3, 1924

Valparaiso High School defeated the strong Froebel High School team of Gary at University Gym last night by a score of 34 to 31. Valpo had defeated Froebel in a former game 30 to 20 but had to work hard to win last night. George Douglas, forward, scored six baskets and two free throws for Valpo. Pollizzotto led Froebel’s attack with seven baskets and two free throws.

“Eugene T. Funk has the right to meet his accusers face to face. The Porter County Commissioners have no right to discharge him until he has been proven guilty. To discharge him on the report returned by the grand jury would mean that Mr. Funk would be defamed. The fact that the grand jury returned such a report does not mean that he is guilty of the charges embodied in the report.” This was the information imparted this morning by Porter County Attorney Grant Crumpacker to several men and women who appeared at a session of the county commissioners and demanded Funk’s resignation as county infirmary superintendent. Petitions bearing several hundred signatures were presented to the board.

February 4, 1924

The Porter County Board of Commissioners have announced that it will sift to the bottom charges that have been preferred against Superintendent E.T. Funk, of the Porter County Infirmary, and have signified their intention to appoint an attorney to represent the persons who are presenting petitions, asking for Funk’s removal.

February 5, 1924

Electric and telephone lines in and out of Valparaiso were down today due to a severe sleet storm which struck last night. All over the city trees were broken down. Lincoln Highway was completely blocked with fallen telephone poles and trees. Patrons who attended the show at Premier Theatre, “The Light that Failed,” saw a real light failure.

February 6, 1924

The Porter County Commissioners have overruled the remonstrance of T. B. Louderback and 344 others, against the petition of the St. Clair Road. The remonstrators objected to the alleged inefficiency of the petition for the road, which is in Center Township. Ira Biggs, Liberty Township, and Phillip Miller, of Jackson Township, together with Porter County Surveyor Floyd McNiece, have been appointed viewers to report on the utility of the proposed road.

The Lewis E. Myers & Company suspended operations yesterday afternoon during the hour of the funeral services for Woodrow Wilson as a mark of respect for the President of the United States. Frank Marimon delivered a eulogy on the life of President Wilson.

February 7, 1924 

Immanuel Lutheran Church, of Valparaiso, is to be the first church in this part of Indiana to be equipped with a broadcasting station. The local church has been granted permission by the Commissioner of Navigation at Washington, D.C., to erect a station. Erection of the station will begin at once and completion will be inside of six weeks. The committee in charge comprises Herman Sievers, George Wyman, A. Z. Arehart, and Gerherd Schutes. Engineers at Dodge School of Telegraphy and Wireless will supervise the work.

Brunk Zitko, indicted by a grand jury on a charge of assault with intent to kill Deputy Sheriff W. B. Forney during a liquor raid in Portage Township on Aug. 28 last, entered a plea of guilty in circuit court this afternoon and was sentenced by Judge H. H. Loring to serve 2 to 14 years in prison.

February 8, 1924

General incompetency will be the charge upon which scores of local men and women hope to remove from office, Eugene T. Funk, superintendent of the Porter County Infirmary. Hearing on the charge has been scheduled for next Tuesday in the Porter County Commissioners room at the courthouse. Prosecutor Field Ray Marine, acting in his official capacity, will appear on behalf of the petitioners. A recent grand jury recommended the superintendent’s removal.

Valparaiso High defeated East Chicago High in a fast basketball game at University Gym. The score was 35 to 27. The Douglas twins, Brown, and Shurr starred for Valpo, and Benich, Spudic, and Matthews were best for East Chicago.

February 9, 1924

Residents on Campbell Street appeared before the Valparaiso City Council last night to remonstrance against the proposed widening of the street under a petition recently presented to the council. The council took no action on the remonstrance because there was nothing to remonstrate against, as the original petition had been referred to the city’s planning commission. The latter body had recommended to the council that it would recommend the complete widening of the street. This would require a new petition. The cost of the widening project is placed at $30,000.

Mrs. Katie Yukowitz, of Gary, was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury in Porter Superior Court last night. She was charged with killing Andrew Yuko, whom she was alleged to have shot in self-defense. Her punishment under the conviction will be from 2 to 14 years in prison.

February 10, 1924

Vernon Passwater, fireman, and Arthur G. Hepner, head brakeman, met accidental death in the Nickel Plate locomotive explosion at the local depot on Jan. 9, according to the verdict of Coroner H. O. Seipel rendered today. Engineer R. S. Shearer, only survivor in the engine cab at the time of the explosion, testified he took charge of the engine at Knox, and from Knox on to Valparaiso he had trouble trying to make the engine steam. While the evidence did not show it, it is believed that low water in the boiler was the cause of the blast.

All day Sunday linemen were working over Porter County repairing telephone and telegraph wires broken down by the recent sleet storm. The Western Union, the Postal, Bell Telephone and Northwestern Indiana Telephone Companies all had gangs at work, and some of the highways presented a busy sight. Great strings of lines were down for miles and poles snapped off. It will be some time before complete service is restored.

February 11, 1924

Valparaiso University’s basketball team defeated Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, 14 to 11. Valpo plays Columbia at Dubuque tomorrow, and Dubuque University the night after.

February 12, 1924

No hearing was held today in celebrated action against Eugene Funk, in which local petitioners ask that he be removed as superintendent of the Porter County Infirmary. It has been announced that the hearing was to have been held today. It was learned today that Bruce B. Loring and T. P. Galvin have been employed to assist Prosecutor F. R. Marine, in presenting the case against Mr. Funk. No charges have been preferred against Funk, but attorneys stated that by Friday of this week specific charges would be filed. It is expected a hearing of the case will be held within the next two weeks. It will require a week or ten days, it is believed.

February 13, 1924

Valparaiso University’s basketball team defeated Columbia College at Dubuque last night, 33 to 31. Beanie Harris, star forward of the locals, caged seven baskets. Walter Hiltpold, back guard of the Valparaiso team, played a fine game, and caged three long shots.

Ted Bullock, of Valparaiso, has signed a thirty-week contract with the Henry Santry Orchestra now playing vaudeville at the Palace Theatre, Chicago. When Mr. Santry and his musicians were at Terre Haute recently, he heard Mr. Bullock play, and offered him a position in his orchestra. The Santry Orchestra is one of the best in the country.

February 14, 1924

Judge H. H. Loring, in Porter Circuit Court yesterday, enjoined Chris Economus from engaging in the restaurant business in Valparaiso until an expiration of an agreement made by him with Thomas Michaels, proprietor of the DeLuxe restaurant, when the latter purchased Economus’ interest in the business. Economus will go to Chicago to engage in business.

Valparaiso University’s basketball team defeated Dubuque University last night by a score of 28 to 23, making their third-straight win in as many days. Tonight, the locals play Campion College.

February 15, 1924

The charges embodied in the recent Porter Circuit Court Grand Jury report, in which his character and general fitness to hold office were attacked, will be used as the basis for his removal as superintendent of the Porter County Infirmary. This was divulged at a meeting of the county board when attorneys for the petitioners, Prosecutor Marine, B. B. Loring, and T. P. Galvin appeared before the board and announced their intention to file the grand jury report. Porter County Attorney Grant Crumpacker informed them that a certified copy of the report would have to be filed.

Midst the blaring of trumpets and the beating of drums, members of the victorious Valparaiso University basketball team alighted from a Pennsylvania train at 3 o’clock this afternoon following a trip in which they won every game. A procession of students, headed by President H. M. Evans, marched to the train to welcome the victors home.

February 16, 1924

A romance that had its inception at the Christian Hospital was culminated this afternoon with the marriage of Mrs. Jewell Hembroff Rumney and Charles Reagan by Rev. E.J. Mungovan at the parish house of St. Paul Catholic Church. Ms. Rumney and Mr. Reagan had been acquainted since childhood, but it was not until Mr. Reagan was injured recently at Wanatah in an auto-train accident and was brought to Christian Hospital that the romance began to blossom.

Otto Boettcher, who was picked up on the streets of Valparaiso last Christmas Eve, hungry and forlorn, with his violin as his only earthly possession, and was taken in by Rev. George F. Schutes, Immanuel Lutheran church pastor, has reached his home in Germany after an exciting experience, according to word received here. Reaching New York, where he expected to find relatives to assist him, he found them destitute. He reached Germany as a stowaway, and reported that conditions are bad, and he expects to return to this country in July.

February 17, 1924

Mr. and Mrs. David Brough, prominent Boone Township residents, were drowned Saturday afternoon when their automobile skidded off the road near the John Dick home, in Porter Township, and fell into the icy waters of a creek. Mr. and Mrs. Brough were both killed instantly. Benjamin Brough, their 13-year-old son, was saved by John Dick and Brice Lantz. The Broughs were on their way to Valparaiso at the time.

Temporary removal of Eugene T. Funk as superintendent of the Porter County Infirmary, pending investigation and hearing of the charge of incompetency against him, was recommended by Prosecutor F. R. Marine in a bill filed with the Porter County Commissioners this morning. The prosecutor avers that the superintendent, by virtue of his position, has a control and influence over the inmates who are to act as witnesses in the case and, through this influence, their testimony.

February 18, 1924

George Chalabias, Portage Township bootlegger, was charged with shooting Deputy Sheriff W. B. Forney in a raid on a booze stronghold in Portage Township last August. Forney was wounded in the head, the bullet plowing a furrow through his skull. Prosecutor Field Ray Marine and Frank B. Parks represented the state.

February 19, 1924

Louis Gast announced today that the work of rebuilding the Saran Apartments in Valparaiso would start tomorrow, and the building would be placed in modern fire-proof condition. Mr. Gast returned last night from Indianapolis where the plans were approved by the state industrial board and state inspection board.

February 20, 1924

A new chamber of commerce was organized in Porter Monday evening. A committee of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, consisting of Walter K. Greenbaum, Thomas P. Greenebaum, Thomas P. Donnelly, and E. G. Richter assisted in the organization of the chamber.

Negotiations are under way to secure Knute Rockne, famous Notre Dame football coach, and Walter Eckersall, famous football referee and writer, to officiate at the athletic night of Valparaiso University at the Premier Theatre on Feb. 27. A trophy will be presented to the football team.

February 21, 1924

Valparaiso University defeated Adrian College at basketball last night in University Gym by a score of 35 to 33. The half ended 18 to 9 in favor of Valparaiso. Beanie Harris, star forward, suffered an ankle injury and had to be removed from the game. He will be laid up for several days.

The Sphinx Club held its fourth annual banquet last night at the Meg Shop at 13 ½ Washington Street in Valparaiso. Miss Marie Harrington acted as toastmistress. Seven members of the club orated, and their subjects were so arranged by Magdalene Gast as to spell the word Caravan, the club paper. Those who spoke were Myra Dolch, Mary Gast, Gretchen Smith, Doris Hodges, Frances Tilton, Esther Lindholm, and Jessie Reynolds.

February 22, 1924

Trial of Eugene T. Funk, county infirmary superintendent, on charges of incompetency, has been set down by the county commissioners for March 11. A formal complaint against Funk was filed today by the petitioners who are represented by Attorneys Bruce B. Loring, Galvin and Galvin, of Hammond, and Prosecuting Attorney Field Ray Marine. Frank S. Parks is defending Funk.

The Valparaiso City Board of Education today ordered the advertising for bids for the construction of a new grade building in the First Ward. It is the purpose of the board to push the matter of building as rapidly as possible. The new building is expected to be ready for the opening in the fall.

February 23, 1924

The Valparaiso City Council at its regular meeting last night received a petition signed by 150 persons asking that Campbell Street, from the Pennsylvania station to the Chicago Mica Company, be opened with a viaduct under the Pennsylvania Railroad. The petition was referred to the city planning commission.

Valparaiso High School defeated the Lowell High School basketeers at University Gym last night, 52 to 17. George Douglas, Valpo forward, caged nine baskets. The Valpo seconds lost to the Lowell seconds by a score of 23 to 17.

February 24, 1924

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Grimm and baby, of Wolf’s Corners, narrowly escaped death early this morning when their home was destroyed by fire. The baby coughing awakened Mrs. Grimm. When she awakened her husband, and the latter opened a door leading into another room, a sheet of flame confronted him. Mr. Grimm assisted his wife and child to escape by a bedroom window and then turned in an alarm. The home was completely destroyed.

February 25, 1924

The Tri Kappa Sorority entertained the Northern Indiana Chapter at the 11th annual luncheon Saturday at 10 o’clock at Hotel Lembke. About sixty were present. President Marie Timmons Windle welcomed the visiting members. Mrs. C. W. Boucher gave a fine talk. A pianologue and song was given by Miss Marian Nuppnau and Frank Wilson sang a group of three songs. The afternoon was spent in a social way.

February 26, 1924

The Indiana State Highway Commission will receive bids on March 18 for the hard surfacing of Lincoln Highway, east of Valparaiso, from that point where the hard surface now ends, to the LaPorte County line. The commission will also receive bids at the same time for the hard surfacing of the strip on the Dunes Highway, at Baillytown, which is the only gap in the Dunes Highway not fully concreted.

Valparaiso University will observe University Football Championship Night on Wednesday at the Premier Theatre. Robert L. Myers, basketball coach at Center College, and a friend of Coach Shadoan, will present the championship cup to the local team. Knute Rockne, of Notre Dame, and Walter Eckersall, extended invitations to attend, were unable to be present because of business engagements.

February 27, 1924

John LaBorn, age 65, a trackman for the Michigan Central Railroad, was found in his shanty at Porter about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon murdered, with two bullet wounds in his head. He has been dead for two or three days. LaBorn did not show up for work Monday, but it was believed he was not feeling good. Tuesday afternoon, James Davy, section foreman went to LaBorn’s shack and found him sitting in a chair, dead. It is believed he was slain for his money. At one time LaBorn was said to have been worth $70,000 but lost in business deals. The robbers overlooked $236 which was found in a wood box.

Valparaiso University defeated Columbia College last night at University Gym by a score of 26 to 21. To date, the locals have not lost a game.

February 28, 1924

Valparaiso paid homage last night to Valparaiso University’s champion football team in exercises held at the Premier Theatre. A cup, sweaters, and letters were presented to the victorious members of the team which won the Western Interstate Conference Championship. Talks were made by M. J. Bowman, Jr., Coach Bill Shadoan, Rev. Father E. J. Mungovan, Rev. C. E. Burns, and Dr. H. M. Evans. Robert L. Myers, Center College coach, was guest of honor.

Grace Ball McFetrich, one of the pioneer residents of Valparaiso, died at her home in Pioneer Flats last evening. Her husband, James R. McFetrich, who died in 1912, founded the McFetrich Lumber & Coal Company.

Looking Back • January 1924

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

January 1, 1924

Building operations in Valparaiso for 1923 totaled half-a-million dollars, according to reliable estimates. Sixty-nine permits were issued by the Valparaiso City Clerk’s office, aggregating $175,000. Included in the lot were fifteen residence buildings, besides a number of business buildings, garage, and remodeled homes. The two Sievers buildings on East Lincolnway, the Valparaiso National Bank building, McGill Manufacturing Company building, and a number of others are not included in the clerk’s records.

January 2, 1924

Construction of a hard-surfaced road from Fort Wayne to Valparaiso over the Yellowstone Trail is definitely included in the 1924 program of the state highway commission, according to word received from Indianapolis. It is said that part of the route will be placed under contract next month.

January 3, 1924

The case against Prosecutor F. R. Marine, Attorney Oliver Loomis, and Constable Charles Adams, instituted last September by George W. Pfiel, proprietor of a dance pavilion at Burrows Camp on the Kankakee River, was dismissed in Porter Circuit Court for want of prosecution. The defendants were represented by Attorneys D. E. Kelly, T. P. Galvin, and Ira C. Tilton. Pfiel, in his complaint for $5,000 in damages, filed by P. J. Bailey, his attorney, alleged that the search warrant under which the raid was conducted was procured by Adams under false misrepresentation; that the prosecutor knew the dance hall did not contain stills of liquor, and that Attorney Loomis went to the hall armed with revolvers.

January 4, 1924

Announcement was made today that further activity in the Indiana Dunes State Park project in north Porter County would be apparent soon by the Dunes Park Committee of the Indiana Society of Chicago. Richard Lieber, of the state department of conservation, has returned from Chicago where he said a movement is on foot to raise money to purchase 2,000 acres of the dune land for a park. The 1923 state legislature provided a tax levy that will provide $1M for the project and the Chicago Prairie Club has promised that a like sum will be raised in Chicago by wealthy residents.

January 5, 1924

Herman F. Heimberg, one of the best-known residents of south Porter County, died this morning at his home in Kouts. Mr. Heimberg was born in Germany in 1873 and came to Porter County when two years of age. He taught in the parochial school at Addison, Ill. Later he went to South Bend where he taught school and served as organist and choir leader for fourteen years. From South Bend he went to Kouts. He was prominent in farm bureau work.

January 6, 1924

Porter County received the sum of $17,854 in the state apportionment of school funds for January. The county has a total enumeration of 5,711, and the distribution is made on the basis of $3.12 per capita. A total of $2.53M was distributed in the state.

The marriage of Miss Rose Deegan, of Valparaiso, and Edward Mahon, of Detroit, Mich., was solemnized this morning at St. Paul’s Chapel, with Rev. Father E. J. Mungovan officiating. A wedding breakfast followed at the home of the bride’s father, Thomas Deegan. The bride has been connected with the Hudson Department Store at Detroit. Mr. Mahon is a lumber and building contractor in Detroit.

January 7, 1924

Valparaiso University defeated the Gary Masons at University Gym Saturday night by a score of 35 to 7. H. H. “Beanie” Harris, of the locals, caged eight baskets. Coach Shadoan’s team displayed a fine passing game.

January 8, 1924

The Circuit Court Room, the largest single room in the Porter County Courthouse, is undergoing a cleaning process at the hands of Swan Nilson and a force of men. The walls have accumulated a fine covering of soot and grime since the last decorating and renovation is badly needed.

January 9, 1924

Two heavy rains visited Valparaiso Saturday and Sunday nights and a total of three inches of rain was recorded. The rain was accompanied by a tornado-like wind in some sections of the county. The level of Flint Lake was raised 5 ½ inches. This will necessitate pumping some of the water from Flint to Loomis Lake in compliance with a recent court order fixing the level of the lake.

The Frank W. Lesch Cut Glass Factory on South Franklin Street in Valparaiso was damaged by fire early Sunday morning and will be closed down for several weeks while repairs are being made. The fire started in the basement and was confined to that part of the building. Two pumpers placed four streams of water on the fire and succeeded in keeping the damage down to a minimum.

January 10, 1924

Two men were killed at 6:28 o’clock last night when a Nickel Plate freight locomotive exploded in front of the Nickel Plate Depot. The dead are: A. G. Heffner, 23, fireman, Stony Island, Ill.; W. Passwater, 25, Fort Wayne; R. O. Shearer, 34, engineer, Stony Island, Ill., was critically injured. The freight train, piloted by Shearer, was westbound. Carroll White, telegraph operator, was preparing to hand a message to Shearer when the blast occurred. He ran to the rear of the building just before a couple of freight cars crashed into it. Sparks from the engine set fire to the nearby buildings.

Walter S. Bush yesterday sold the Lincoln Theatre on South Franklin Street in Valparaiso, which he has owned and operated for the last two years, to Charles Bailey, of Kalamazoo, Mich. Mr. Bailey formerly owned the business and sold it to Mr. Bush.

January 11, 1924

Two federal inspectors, representing the Interstate Commerce Commission, with one state safety inspector, were here today and made a preliminary examination of the boiler of the Nickel Plate engine, which exploded on the station grounds Wednesday night, causing the death of two trainmen, and serious injury to another. The federal inspectors refused to make any comment on what they found, but instructed the Nickel Plate to load the boiler, and take it to the shops and yards at Stony Island, where a scientific examination will be made to determine the cause of the accident. R. O. Shearer, the engineer, who was seriously hurt in the blast, was reported to have improved considerably at the Christian Hospital.

Cattle belonging to the Horns Brothers, housed in three cars on the Nickel Plate Railroad, which were located within a short distance of the scene of the engine blast Wednesday night, were unhurt. The cattle were to be shipped to Chicago having been in cars in the afternoon.

January 12, 1924

More than two hundred and fifty employees of the McGill Manufacturing Company, members of their families and friends, attended a housewarming Saturday night. The affair was held in the new building recently constructed by the company on North Campbell Street in Valparaiso. Dancing and card playing were the diversions.

Valparaiso University’s crack basketball team and the Valparaiso High School quintette were both victorious at Rensselaer Saturday night. The university defeated a team composed of DePaul University stars from Chicago, 20 to 18, and the high school won over Rensselaer by a count of 30 to 13.

January 13, 1924

Louis Gast came home today from Chicago where he had been in the interests of the Milk Producers Association. He reports that the organization has been active in sending out detectives to localities where milk is being shipped to Chicago, and that these detectives reported the milk received was very insanitary, and the matter has been taken up with the Chicago Board of Health today. The International Harvester says Mr. Gast gave a donation of $1,000 to help with the work, as did Montgomery, Ward & Company, and Sears, Roebuck & Company.

Two men were placed under arrest yesterday by Sheriff William Pennington, Deputy Sheriff Forney, and Deputy Sheriff Jerry Lafrentz for being involved in the shooting of Deputy Sheriff W. B. Forney in a liquor raid in Portage Township some time ago. The two men are George Chalabis and Nick Kwiatneski. They were apprehended in Gary. Brunk, Zitko, and the other members of the gang, now in custody, have admitted firing the shot which struck Forney in the head, cutting a furrow in his skull.

January 14, 1924

Quinton Cameron, of Gary, was found not guilty by a jury in Porter Circuit Court last night of the slaying of Henry Wells, also of Gary. It was charged that Cameron shot Wells when the latter went to Cameron’s room to inquire about his wife. Attorney Frank B. Parks, for Cameron, charged that Wells went to Cameron’s room and threatened to kill him.

January 15, 1924

Stamp sales at the Valparaiso Post Office during 1923 totaled $93,104.17, as compared with $76,963.89 in 1922. In 1914, the sales were $36,078.99. Money order business at the post office during the year amounted to $1M.

January 16, 1924

Valparaiso University’s victorious basketball team copped the honors from the International “Y” champions in a thrilling overtime battle, 24 to 21. “Beanie” Harris starred in the first half with five field goals. Anderson, Cadwallader, Scott, and Hiltpold, besides Harris, comprised the lineup.

The Valparaiso City Council, in a special meeting last night, re-employed Chief of Police Charles Cook and all members of the police force. A salary ordinance was adopted fixing the salaries in the same amounts as received last year.

January 17, 1924

Valparaiso University’s basketball team defeated Wesleyan College at Winchester, Ky., last night by a score of 38 to 21. Valparaiso will play Center College at Danville tonight.

In one of the most spirited elections held for the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce in many a year, six new directors were named as follows: E. J. Freund, for civic group; W. J. Morris, L. E. Meyers, and Byron Smith, industrial group, and Fred Moltz and B. L. Brenner, mercantile group. A total of 204 ballots were cast.

January 18, 1924

The building, owned by the Elks’ Lodge on West Lincolnway, occupied on the first floor by the David Poncher Shoe and Repair Shop and W. L. Stoddard Saloon, and upper floors by the Valparaiso Board of Education for overflow school purposes, was destroyed by fire early this morning. Night Clerk J. E. Harding, of the Hotel Lembke, discovered the blaze at 2:30 a.m. Four lines of hose played on the structure for four hours. The loss will be in the neighborhood of $40,000. Poncher’s loss was $1,300 and Stoddard’s was $1,500. School children of the fourth and fifth grades lost their schoolbooks and other articles.

Russell Seymour, for the boys, and Maycel Orwig, for the girls, were awarded first prizes in the annual oratorical contest of the Valparaiso High School held last evening at the high school auditorium. Others taking part were Carolyn Lytle, Mary Ellen Sheley, Avis Worstell, Harold Pulver, Byron Wright, Wayne Zerber, and Martin Wheeler.

January 19, 1924

Before a crowd of 1,500 basketball fans at Danville, Ky., last night, Coach Shadoan’s Valparaiso University basketball team conquered Center College by a score of 33 to 27 in a very exciting game. The Danville Chamber of Commerce banqueted the Valparaiso team after the game. Valparaiso plays Eastern Kentucky State Normal tonight.

Valparaiso High School basketball team defeated Plymouth High at University Gym by a score of 37 to 29. The two teams were tied at half time, 16 all. Valpo caged nine baskets to Plymouth’s three in the second half to clinch victory. The Valpo High School seconds defeated Chesterton by a count of 22 to 10. Coach Joe Brown used three teams against the north county boys.

January 20, 1924

The Nokomis Restaurant on College Hill was badly damaged by fire this morning. The blaze was discovered in the upper part of the structure. Firemen prevented the flames from spreading to adjoining buildings. The rear part of the building, and the Tokio Tea Room on the second floor, were damaged. This is the second time within a year that the building has been damaged by fire. The first blaze completely destroyed the building. L. Brown is owner of the Nokomis Restaurant.

The Casbon sisters, who have a delicatessen on East Erie Street in Valparaiso, have purchased the Wise property, corner Franklin and Chicago, formerly occupied by the Longshore grocery. The new place will be occupied as a delicatessen. The Erie Street business will also be continued.

January 21, 1924

A Chesapeake & Ohio manifest freight train, east bound, was wrecked about 5 o’clock this morning between Beatrice and Merrillville, when the locomotive struck a broken rail. Eleven freight cars piled up on the track, spilling flour and various kinds of freight along the right-of-way. No one was injured.

January 22, 1924

F. H. Hurt, of Indianapolis, state sanitary inspector, is in Porter County making an inspection of the premises where bovine tuberculosis has been found in livestock. Hurt will make recommendations as to how to rid the place of infection. Fourteen counties in the state are operating on the T.B.-free area plan.

January 23, 1924

The Sager property, including the lake, mill, grounds and so forth, excepting the residence property of the family, has been leased to Frank L. Hume, of Chicago. The lease is for a period of ten years and involves an annual payment of 8% of $64,000. The lessees are given the right to sublet the mill rights. It is understood that Hume and his associates intend to erect a modern sanitarium on the site.

Engineer Shearer, of the Nickel Plate freight train, whose engine exploded in local yards, is improving steadily at the Christian Hospital in Valparaiso and it is believed he will be able to leave the hospital within another week. The fireman and head brakeman who were riding in the cab with him were both killed.

January 24, 1924

E. D. Hodges was unanimously re-elected president of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at a meeting of directors held at the Hotel Lembke. W. J. Morris was named vice-president of the industrial group; Fred Moltz, vice-president of the mercantile group, and E. L. Loomis, vice-president of civic group. Edmond J. Freund was elected secretary, and T. L. Applegate, treasurer. Mr. Freund is serving his 13th year as director.

The Porter County Bankers’ Association held a meeting and banquet last evening at Hotel Lembke, with 35 in attendance. Gordon Wilson, comptroller of the National Bank of the Republic, Chicago, spoke on “The Modern Trend of Banking.”

January 25, 1924

The Valparaiso University Basketball team defeated the City College team of Detroit, Mich., Saturday night at University Gym by a score of 32 to 17. A large crowd saw the game. Following the game, a banquet was served at Hotel Lembke for the team by the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. Louis Applegate presided as toastmaster, and toasts were given by Rev. C. E. Burns, Dr. H. M. Evans and Dr. G. R. Douglas.

The Valparaiso High School Basketball team lost to Warsaw High School at Warsaw Saturday night, 36 to 35. Valparaiso led at half time by a count of 27 to 18. A total of 18 fouls were called on Valparaiso. George Douglas was ejected from the game and his removal weakened the locals.

January 26, 1924

A large number of mules, owned by P. T. Clifford, got out of their lot, and wandered on the Nickel Plate tracks. A train ran into the animals, killing four of them. The animals were used by Mr. Clifford in construction work. The accident occurred west of Valparaiso, near where the Grand Trunk and Nickel Plate Railroads cross.

A charter was granted Saturday to Lewis E. Myers & Company Ltd., by the provincial Government of Ontario, at Toronto. The new company is a private company with a capital of $100,000. Lewis E. Myers is president and treasurer; Charles Eveleth, managing director; Floyd L. Dorsey, secretary, and Milo Bowman, assistant treasurer.

January 27, 1924

Sol Freidheim, of Chicago, is here visiting friends. Mr. Friedheim was formerly employed at the Horn Quality Market. He is recuperating from an operation performed some time ago, following an automobile accident in which he suffered a double fracture of the collar bone. He was confined in the Streator Hospital in Chicago for several months.

W. H. Settle, secretary of the Indiana State Farmers’ Bureau, will visit Valparaiso on Feb. 4 for a meeting with the directors of the Porter County Farm Bureau. In the afternoon, he will deliver a talk to the farmers of the county on the wheat pool and marketing conditions.

January 28, 1924

H. L. Gould, the new Porter County cow tester, began his duties today. He comes to Valparaiso from London, Ontario, Canada, where he was official cow tester. He is a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural college.

January 29, 1924

Funeral services for Ferd Benham, former Valparaiso resident who died Friday of pneumonia, were held in Chicago yesterday with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mr. Benham was a former Valparaiso resident, and operated a tailor shop here with his brother, Frank, on South Franklin Street. He left here thirty years ago.

January 30, 1924

The mystery surrounding the death of Miss Minnie Brooks, 15-year-old Chesterton girl, found dead behind the counter of a Chesterton bakery, was solved by the confession of a 13-year-old Chesterton boy who admitted that he picked up a rifle in the restaurant to examine it and it was discharged, the bullet striking the girl. The confession was obtained by Coroner H. O. Seipel, Sheriff William Pennington and Deputy Sheriff W. B. Forney. The boy will not be held.

The Porter Circuit Court Grand Jury filed its report yesterday and a severe scoring was made against E. T. Funk for the management of the county infirmary. The county commissioners were also taken to task for failing to supervise things at the institution. Sensational charges were embraced in the report.

January 31, 1924

Valparaiso University continued its winning streak last night at University Gym by defeating Dubuque College by a score of 43 to 18. “Beanie” Harris, “Caddy” Cadwallader, “Andy” Anderson, “Hippy” Hiltpold, “Scotty” Scott, Surface, “Pep” Peterson and “Lefty” Close, comprised the local lineup.

Looking Back • December 1923

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

December 1, 1923

Dr. W. F. King, of Indianapolis, secretary of state board of health, was the principal speaker before members of the Porter County Medical Society last evening at Hotel Lembke. Dr. A. O. Dobbins was host to the society. Dr. King’s subject was: “Co-operation in Public Health.” Dr. King said the Indiana Health Department could not be efficient unless it had the cooperation of all citizens.

Porter County Auditor B. H. Kinne today announced the December distribution of fall installment of taxes collected by Treasurer J. G. Graessle. The total amount of taxes collected in the county for the fall installment was $587,117.09.

December 2, 1923

Oil in substantial quantities was found on the farm of R. W. Kellar near LaCrosse on Friday. The deposit was reached at a depth of 1,004 feet and after the drill was one foot into Trenton rock. The pit was found to be covered with oil after the bailer was run several times. A drilling company from Newark, Ohio, which is in charge of the work, has summoned an expert shooter to shoot the well with nitroglycerin to determine what it will make.

The Indiana Medicine Company, of which Porter County Commissioner H. A. Pollentzke is one of the incorporators, has opened up for business in a structure recently built on Pollentzke’s farm on the Dunes Highway, one-half miles east of Tremont. Dr. O. L. Stephenson, of Gary, and an Indian doctor will be in charge of the place. The company maintains six rooms for patients and later will erect additions to the buildings.

December 3, 1923

The Chicago Mica Company has just completed the installation of a water sprinkler system in its plant for fire protection. It will also ensure a much lower insurance rate on its property. H. G. Vogel Company, of Cincinnati, O., installed the system.

December 4, 1923

George Haste was elected commander of Chaplain Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), at the annual election held recently. Other officers named were B. E. Reading, senior vice-commander; Joseph Holenried, junior vice-commander; Louis Laduer, officer of the day; Jacob Mooker, officer of the guard; T. B. Louderback, chaplain; Joseph Glover, patriotic instructor; T. B. Louderback, J. N. Finney and E. M. Burns, trustees.

December 5, 1923

At a meeting last night of Valparaiso’s planning commission, plans for a new grade school building in the First Ward, on lots owned by the school city, bounded by Elm, College, Beech and Greenwich, were presented by the board, together with a watercolor drawing of the new structure. The plans call for a 148’x51’ building. The first floor will contain a community room, kindergarten, two classrooms, toilets, and cloak room. The second floor will contain four classrooms, boiler rooms, toilets, and cloak room. Herbert Erickson, architect of Gary, drew the plans and specifications.

“Mary’s Millions,” presented by the Sphinx Club last night at the Memorial Opera House, was a big success, both from an acting standpoint and from the box office. Players taking part were: Ann Murphy, Lola Albery, Louella Tofte, Frances Tilton, Agnes Murphy, Gladys Ritz, Jessie Reynolds, Geneva White, Loretta Gannon, Ann Borcyzko, Ann Tofte, Magdalene Gast, Ruth Wittenberg, Bessie Price, Ann Christy, and Ruth Montgomery.

December 6, 1923

M. V. O’Shea, head of the Department of Education of the University of Wisconsin, will be the speaker at a joint dinner of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at Hotel Lembke on Friday evening at 6:30 o’clock. He will speak on the subject: “New Times Brings New Problems.” The wives of the club members will be guests. Plates are being set for 160.

The Warren family of Pleasant Township, Porter County, was prominent in the corn awards Tuesday at the International Hay & Grain Show in Chicago. In the ten ears of white dent corn exhibit, Allan J. Warren, Harris G. Warren, and J. A. Warren were among the winners. In the junior white corn exhibit, Allan J. Warren was a winner.

December 7, 1923

The school building at Hurlburt, north of Hebron, was burned to the ground at 8 o'clock this morning. The origin of the blaze was to have been due to an overheated stove. The Hebron Fire Department responded but the building was in flames when firemen arrived. The structure was built a number of years ago, and recently remodeled.

A motion for a new trial in the case of Ida Crumpacker versus A. F. Knotts and others, tried last July in the Porter Superior Court before Special Judge Will Isham, of Fowler, was filed today in the superior court by Attorney W. J. Whinery. Mrs. Crumpacker was awarded $14,300 in contribution of judgment paid by her late husband’s estate in a suit by the Manhattan Lumber Company, of Gary, in Jasper Circuit Court.

December 8, 1923

The Valparaiso High School defeated Elkhart High School 21 to 19 at the university gymnasium last evening. G. Douglas with four baskets and Brown with two baskets and six free throws led the locals’ attack. Peterson, Evans, and Stephenson played well for Elkhart. Coach Brown’s second team defeated Boone Grove, 8 to 7.

Peter J. Horn and E. V. Owens and Sons, of Valparaiso, won between $500 and $600 in premiums on hogs which they showed at the International Livestock Show in Chicago. The local men had fifty-three Duroc Jersey hogs, which averaged 295 pounds, which were purchased by Armour and Company at $11.25, or $410 above the prevailing price.

December 9, 1923

In one of the most thrilling basketball games ever seen on the LaPorte floor, Coach R. E. Schenck’s Valparaiso High School team defeated Coach Rovenstine’s LaPorte team Saturday night by a score of 25 to 22. Douglas, Shurr, White, and Brown each garnered two baskets apiece, and the same quartet bagged nine free throws. Wells, of LaPorte, scored four baskets and three free throws.

The Kilmer-Fraser Sub-Dividing Company, of Chicago, recently closed a deal whereby it became the owner of Burlington Beach, Flint Lake. Work on surveying and plotting the lots will be started at once. The company has also taken an option on a number of tracts adjoining Burlington Beach and expect to develop it into modern subdivision home-sites.

December 10, 1923

George M. Dodge will soon celebrate his 35th anniversary as manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Valparaiso. He was appointed to the position on Dec. 12, 1888, when he was 16 years of age. He is the oldest employee of the company in Indiana. In addition to his duties at the Western Union office, Mr. Dodge conducts the Dodge Institute of Telegraphy and Wireless, one of the largest schools of its kind in the country.

December 11, 1923

T. L. Applegate was elected president of the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club at the annual meeting held at the Hotel Lembke. Other officers are Harlow A. Smith, vice-president; Mark L. Dickover, secretary-treasurer; E. W. Agar, trustee; W. E. Brownell, Roy Wheeler, J. Earle Mavity, Wallace Wilson, Frank Mannheim, P. K. Burns, and George Rynick, Jr., directors.

December 12, 1923

Frank A. Turner was elected president of the Valparaiso Country Club at the annual meeting held last evening at the Hotel Lembke. Other officers named were John Oldham, vice-president, and T. L. Applegate, secretary. A 6:30 o’clock dinner preceded the meeting. C. W. Boucher, treasurer, reported that the club had no current debts and that all dues were paid up to the present time.

The American China Products Company, of Chesterton, has been sold to the Fraunfelter China Company, of Zanesville, Ohio, according to an announcement made today. The new corporation acquired the assets of the Chesterton concern and will distribute stock in the new company to the stockholders of the American China Products Company.

December 13, 1923

George M. Dodge’s “open house” celebration yesterday afternoon and evening in honor of his thirty-five years of service as manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company office in Valparaiso was a success despite rainy weather which prevailed throughout the day. More than 100 friends and patrons of Mr. Dodge and the company called to extend the usual congratulations. Carnations and cigars were handed out by Mr. Dodge to all who called.

By a deal consummated yesterday, the Elm Street Dairy, owned by Diefenbach & Horn, was purchased by the Church Dairy on Lincoln Avenue* in Valparaiso.

*Lincoln Avenue, previously named Water Street, is named Brown Street as of 2023.

December 14, 1923

Porter County Treasurer J. G. Graessle, Recorder John W. McNay and Commissioner H. A. Pollentzke will vacate their offices on December 31. Mr. Graessle will be succeeded by William O. McGinley, a democrat. Mr. McNay will retire in favor of C. E. Barrett, republican, and Mr. Pollentzke will abdicate in favor of C. Eugene Fifield, republican.

At a meeting of the Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28, Knights Templars, last evening, Jonathan Osborn was elected prelate of the organization for the twenty-fifth time. Mr. Osborn is 92 years of age and is active in the work of the commandery, and seldom misses a meeting. Andrew J. Fehrman was elected Eminent Commander of the order.

December 15, 1923

N. M. Amstutz, patent attorney of Valparaiso, has just received word that his client, a New York rubber company, has been declared the victor in a patent litigation instituted by a Wisconsin rubber company for cancellation of a trademark held by the New York concern. The trademark was secured for the New York company by Mr. Amstutz after three years of intensive prosecution.

The Valparaiso High School basketball team defeated the Hammond High School team at university gym last night by a score of 27 to 26. The locals staged a fine comeback in the second half, overcoming Hammond’s 19-to-10 lead at half time.

December 16, 1923

The Valparaiso High School basketball team made it four-straight wins at Plymouth Saturday evening when it defeated Plymouth High in an overtime play, 37 to 36. Coach R. E. Schenck’s squad was on the short end of a 20-to-17 count at half time. G. Douglas and White with five baskets each, and Brown with four, proved the spark plugs for the Schenck men. Kizer, of Plymouth, caged seven baskets.

Valparaiso University was declared conference football champion at a meeting of representatives of the Interstate Collegiate Conference held at the Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, Saturday. Schools represented were St. Viator, Valparaiso, Lacrosse, Normal, DePaul, Luther, Columbia, and Western State Normal. W. P. Shadoan, of Valparaiso, was elected vice-president of the association.

December 17, 1923

Henry Marquart, prominent farmer of Union Township, who was badly injured in an automobile accident near Wheeler on Saturday evening, which also claimed the life of Leonard Orwig, died yesterday afternoon in the Christian Hospital. His skull was crushed. Marquart is survived by a widow, seven children, five brothers and three sisters.

December 18, 1923

Miss Kathryn Anderson, present deputy county treasurer, will fill the role of deputy treasurer under the incoming treasurer, William O. McGinley, who will succeed John G. Graessle, beginning January 1. Miss Anderson has been deputy for the last four years under Mr. Graessle and is thoroughly capable in her capacity.

December 19, 1923

Just a year ago today, December 19, 1922, Valpoites were freezing under a temperature of eleven degrees below zero. Three inches of snow also mantled the earth. Record keepers in the persons of O. D. Mudge, E. M. Burns, and Joseph Decker are authority for the statement. The temperature at Noon today at the Farmers State Bank hovered around forty degrees above the zero mark.

The Up-to-Date Laundry, located on North Washington Street in Valparaiso, owned and operated by Gus Demos, sold yesterday by Attorney J. S. Bartholomew to Mike Savas and Peter Demanos. Demos, former owner of the business, abandoned it last summer, leaving it encumbered with claims amounting to $10,000.

December 20, 1923

The records of George T. Pearce, highway superintendent for the Valparaiso district under the state highway department, shows it cost the state $410 a mile to maintain gravel roads in this district this year. A rule next year will limit the expenditures to $320 a mile. The cost of maintaining the concrete roads was $60 a mile. This included the mowing of weeds, filling cracks with asphalt, and repairing the berm or shoulder.

Rev. Edward J. Mungovan, popular pastor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, was honored last evening at a party given at Community Hall in honor of his birthday. Attorney T. P. Galvin acted as toastmaster. Father Mungovan was presented with a beautiful birthday cake by Master Zawadski. Mrs. D. E. Kelly spoke for the Catholic Ladies’ Club. J. J. Cronin made a fine talk on the early history of St. Paul’s. Rev. John Suelzer, of Kouts, also spoke. Rev. Mungovan made a fitting response.

December 21, 1923

Valparaiso High School defeated Froebel High School Friday evening at Gary by a score of 30 to 20. Valparaiso was erratic, and had Froebel been accurate in its shooting, the result might have been different. Shurr, with twelve points, starred for Valparaiso. Smith, Moleski, and Hatrack were Froebel’s best players.

December 22, 1923

In comparison to the amount of taxes paid, Porter County has received its share of state road funds. Porter County pays only about two percent of the road tax and has nearly forty miles of hard-surfaced road under control of the state highway commission. Lake County, which pays fourteen percent of taxes, has less than twenty miles of roadway. Porter County, on account of its location, is thus favored in the state road building program.

December 23, 1923

Deputy Sheriff Jerry Lefrentz, Frank Lunbeck, and Harry Hodsden and son, Sergeant, returned last night from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc., where Mr. Lefrentz purchased a 320-acre stock farm. Mr. Hodsden acted as one of the agents in the transaction. Mr. Lefrentz will move to Wisconsin in a short time. The trip of 680 miles was made by automobile.

The Valparaiso National Bank building on Washington Street in Valparaiso, soon to be vacated by the bank for its new and more commodious home, now in process of construction next door, was sold Saturday to Andrew Beyer, of this city. Possession will not be given until the new bank is completed in the spring.

December 24, 1923

Bruno Zitko, the man who is alleged to have shot Sheriff W. B. Forney in the head during a raid on Aug. 28 on Zitko’s Portage Township bootleg joint, was captured Monday evening by police at Indiana Harbor. For the last three weeks, Sheriff Forney has been working in cooperation with Indiana Harbor and Gary police in the roundup of Zitko. The latter was picked out by Forney in a showup with other prisoners in the Indiana Harbor jail.

December 25, 1923

There was no newspaper printed on account of Christmas.

December 26, 1923

Farmers of Lake and Porter Counties, headed by Charles Chester, of Ainsworth, and Louis Gast, of Valparaiso, are getting ready for a big fight against the tuberculin testing of dairy cattle, which is to be compulsory after Jan. 1, 1924. It is the contention of the leaders against the test that the order does not include feeders and butcher cattle, and therefore the inoculation will not protect the dairy cattle who may come in contact with the cattle not inoculated.

December 27, 1923

Neil McIntyre, age 33, a former Valparaiso man, and adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. James McIntyre, of this city, died Monday at South Bend, of injuries received in a motorcycle accident. McIntyre was a member of the South Bend police force and was responding to a call when he collided with a fellow policeman on a motorcycle. Mr. McIntyre was born east of Valparaiso and left here fourteen years ago.

Herbert H. Tallcott, of Indianapolis, today sold his Valparaiso home at 251 Greenwich Street to Joseph Mead. The deal was made through the Charles Link Agency.

December 28, 1923

Tobias Minor, age 73, residing at 307 East Lincolnway, died last evening of injuries suffered late yesterday afternoon when he was struck at the corner of Lincolnway and Franklin by an automobile truck owned by the Philley Brothers. Minor suffered a fractured skull.

Operations have begun on the construction of a sidetrack north of Crisman, in Porter County, at the mouth of Burns Ditch, for the purpose of conveying the dredge machine of the Walb Construction Company to this point. Clyde Walb, head of the company which has the contract, has notified A. P. Melton, ditch commissioner, to this effect.

December 29, 1923

The Valparaiso City Council at its regular meeting Friday night voted four to one in favor of the city board of education erecting a new school building in the First Ward. R. C. Higley cast the negative vote against the project. The council action, together with that of the school board, smothered the plans of local citizens to erect a new high school building in the Third Ward.

Word has been received here from Harry Herrick, who recently left for St. Petersburg, Fla., to effect that he has purchased a grocery business in that city. Mrs. Herrick will leave soon for St. Petersburg to assist her husband in the conduct of the business.

December 30, 1923

Accidental death was the verdict rendered this morning by Dr. H. O. Seipel, coroner of Porter County, in the death of Tobias Minor, fatally injured Thursday night when struck by a truck owned by the Philley Brothers at Lincolnway and Franklin Street in Valparaiso. Evidence showed the truck was being operated in low gear and Mr. Minor was not thrown by the car but fell in front of the truck.

December 31, 1923

Announcement has been received here of the marriage of Miss Jeanne Willy, recently of DeWitt, Iowa, to a Mr. Orcutt, businessman of Davenport, Iowa. Miss Willy assisted in coaching members of the cast of “Cheerup,” musical revue staged early last month by the Kiwanis Club.

Looking Back • November 1923

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

November 1, 1923

LaPorte Avenue, which is part of Lincoln Highway, and is being improved by city and county authorities with a tarvia top, will be ready for traffic sometime next week. The stone foundation for the highway, which is 1,700 feet long, was completed yesterday by County Road Superintendent Joseph Crowe. Today the Hayes Construction Company, which is finishing the tarvia top of the Lincoln Highway from eastern limits of Valparaiso to the Malone Turn in Washington Township, began placing stone on the highway preparatory to pouring asphalt. The improvement in Valparaiso will give a solid stretch of new highway six miles long.

Broncho John Sullivan, one of the few remaining war scouts, guides, and Indian fighters of the old school, drew large crowds yesterday afternoon and evening at Schelling’s Music Hall, where he appeared in person and presented a thrilling western story, “The Life of Buffalo Bill.” Broncho John was connected with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for many years and was associated with Buffalo Bill in the early days. He showed how to handle the big six shooter, a knowledge he obtained from Wild Bill when the west was young.

November 2, 1923

Valparaiso University today celebrated Brown Day at Brown Field. A big parade was staged this afternoon, led by the university band and faculty. At Brown Field, Valparaiso University’s football team defeated Lewis Institute of Chicago. The score was 110 to 0. The locals scored sixty-one points in the first half. Halfback Ralph Surface led in the scoring with ten touchdowns.

A large crowd attended the musical revue, “Cheer Up,” given last night at the Memorial Opera House under the auspices of the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club. Headliners in the production were Frank Wilson, Miss Kathryn Salisbury, Dr. C. A. Nixon, and Dr. C. L. Bartholomew.

November 3, 1923

Valparaiso University presented a whirling mass of colors in the gymnasium when the Tokyo Carnival was in full swing last night. Hundreds of students and townspeople flocked to the Hill to enjoy the dancing and entertainment afforded by the Students’ Union. The same show will be presented tonight.

Hobart and Wheeler citizens are complaining bitterly because these towns have been lifted off the road maps for the future through traffic. Only local traffic is resorting to the two places, and through cars are a curiosity. Last Sunday, on the opening of the Dunes Highway, even with a bad and dangerous detour of over a mile at Baillytown, over 6,000 cars were counted passing over the detour.

November 4, 1923

William King, residing at 155 Lincoln Avenue (now Brown Street) in Valparaiso, was shot in the leg by a holdup man Saturday evening while returning to his home from a trip downtown. The shooting occurred near the Valparaiso Home Ice Company on South Lafayette Street. The bullet from the gun entered the right leg between the kneecap and hip.

The board of commissioners of Porter County met in the regular monthly session yesterday. A number of taxpayers appeared before the board to complain regarding personal property assessments made last year by a deputy assessor. It is charged that the assessor changed the amounts of the assessments after giving the taxpayers statements of their assessments.

November 5, 1923

The Valparaiso Dry Cleaning Works, owned by Joseph Mottl, was sold by Mr. Mottl to Hardesty & Moser, who took immediate possession. The concern has been located for a number of years in the Vail Jewelry store building and the dry-cleaning establishment on West Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso. Mr. Mottl is retiring because of ill health. Eleven years ago, he and Frank Radous purchased the business of Henry Goetz, a pioneer in the dry cleaning business in Valparaiso. In 1916, Mr. Mottl purchased the interest of his partner.

November 6, 1923

A carload of reactor cattle, numbering twenty-six, from Portage Township farmers, were shipped to the Chicago Union Stockyards yesterday. The animals will be slaughtered Wednesday morning. A number of farmers will go to Chicago to witness the killing. Dr. A. M. Jacoby, tester, is swamped with work. He has examined 12,000 cattle to date, and 5,000 of these will be due within the next thirty days. The state quarantine in cattle shipments will go into effect January 1 next.

November 7, 1923

Four towns in Porter County held elections yesterday. Frank Sheley, of the Citizen’s party, was elected trustee, and Hjalmar Vedel, of the Citizens’ party, clerk-treasurer, at Chesterton. At Porter, W. H. Reed was elected trustee, and John Carlson, Jr., clerk-treasurer. At Kouts, William Denzine and Ira Dye were named trustees, and George Kaley, clerk. At Hebron, the Citizens’ ticket had no opposition. Roy Rathburn, Charles Simpson and Edward Alyea are the new town board; Mamie Nolan, clerk, and Roy Childs, treasurer.

The Porter County Board of Commissioners took no action yesterday to reimburse the Valparaiso Chamber on the award of damages to the several property owners in straightening the Malone Turn on the Lincoln Highway, four miles east of Valparaiso. The damages amounted to $600 and was paid by the chamber. A state law recently passed by the legislature gives chambers and other organizations the right to purchase right-of-way for the state highway commission and receive a refund from the county.

November 8, 1923

By a deal consummated today, Will M. Bennett, proprietor of the Electrical Sales Company on Franklin Street in Valparaiso, sold his business to Wright & Bochtler, owners of an electric shop on Washington Street. The deal was made through the H. R. Dye Agency. The new owners took possession at once and are getting ready for a big closing-out sale. They plan to remove the remaining stock to their location on Washington Street. H. C. Taylor, the stationer, will take over the space vacated.

E. G. Gibson, connected with the state fire marshal’s office, is here superintending the standardization of the various equipment at the local fire station in Valparaiso. All hose, hydrant, engine, and other equipment will be changed to conform with the standard throughout the state. Members of the Valparaiso Fire Department are assisting Mr. Gibson in the work.

November 9, 1923

United States Marshal Harry H. Cross, of Hammond, visited Valparaiso today for the purpose of obtaining the assistance of local officers in arresting a number of Porter County citizens living in the south part near the Kankakee River, charged with violation of the game laws. They will be brought to Valparaiso for a hearing.

John Van de Vries, manager of the Central Division of the United States Chamber of Commerce, was speaker at the second monthly meeting of the Valparaiso Chamber held last evening at Hotel Lembke. One hundred-and-twenty-five persons were in attendance. Leroy V. Hensel was master of ceremonies and Earl J. Salisbury acted as “morale” officer and led the singing. Madge Lindall was at the piano. Frank Wilson sang two solos. Porter County Superintendent of Schools Fred H. Cole presented Mr. Van de Vries and gave a fine talk on differences among children.

November 10, 1923

Shades of the old controversy between the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso Lighting Company stalked in city hall last night at the regular meeting of the Valparaiso City Council when discussion ensued regarding the cost of electrical energy to local users. City Attorney E. Guy Osborne was instructed by the council to go to Indianapolis to take up with Attorney General U. S. Lesh the question of proceedings in the LaPorte Circuit Court in the case of the Valparaiso Lighting Company versus the Indiana Public Service Commission, a suit to vacate the order of the commission establishing lower rates for Valparaiso.

Two cars of reactor cattle will be shipped Monday from McCool to the stockyards in Chicago for slaughtering. Dr. A. C. Jacoby, federal state tester, tested the cattle. Dr. Jacoby said that with the cooperation of the farmers of the county he will be able to place Porter County in the modified area class.

November 11, 1923

Valparaiso University defeated LaCrosse Normal Saturday afternoon at football, 14 to 0. The game was played at LaCrosse, Wis., and was the first game lost by LaCrosse on its home grounds in many years. Touchdowns were scored by Surface and Dycke. Spurgeon and White played fine ball for the locals.

Lincoln Highway, east of Valparaiso, was thrown open to traffic Saturday. Traffic was heavy during the day, but it reached an apex Sunday and today. Porter County Road Superintendent George T. Pearce said a detour must be made at Malone Turn, to the north, due to a bridge being out over Crooked Creek.

November 12, 1923

B. A. Gott, of Wheeler, purchased the interest of E. R. Kuss in the firm of Kuss & Poncher, dealers in automobiles and accessories, on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso. Mr. Kuss will not retire from the auto sales business but will retain the agency of the Stutz car. Mr. Gott will become a partner of Mr. Poncher.

November 13, 1923

Valparaiso Mayor E. W. Agar, Porter County Sheriff William Pennington, Valparaiso Prosecutor F. R. Marine, and Valparaiso Chief of Police Charles Cook will attend a meeting at South Bend Friday, called by Governor McCray, following the suggestion made at a recent conference with governors of various states with President Coolidge on the matter of law enforcement, with special reference to the prohibition law. Representatives from a number of counties will attend district meetings to be held throughout the state.

November 14, 1923

A proposed settlement of the Northern Indiana coal case before the industrial commission on freight rates to several Northern Indiana counties will bring a reduction of five to ten cents a ton. The commission is asking for reductions of $1.60 to $1.70 per ton on freight from Clinton and Linton coal fields. Valparaiso is among the cities included in the case.

A unique wedding was staged in the sand dunes last Monday when Dudley Hayden, of Furnessville, and Miss Sadie Sparks, of Chicago, were married. A number of guests from Michigan City and Chicago were in attendance. Rev. A. H. Lawrence, of Chesterton, read the ceremony in one of the cottages on the preserve of the Prairie Club.

November 15, 1923

Legality of payments of approximately $35,000 made in Porter County of public money under control of twelve public offices, ranging from county to city offices, to township justices of the peace, have been questioned by field examiners of the state board of accounts, who have just completed reports on what they found in the offices in an examination of the records of the years 1920 and 1921, according to advices received from Indianapolis. The report was made by Ure M. Frazier and W. A. Hammond, field examiners.

November 16, 1923

Exceptions to reports of the state field examiners for the state board of accounts in an examination of city and county offices made public at Indianapolis yesterday were made by Valparaiso city and county officials today. The officials pointed out that the law provides for many of the items and that the examiners did not allow for this.

The formal opening and dedication of Dunes Highway, between Gary and Michigan City in Porter County, took place this afternoon at 2 o’clock, when a four-mile automobile parade was staged. A banquet was scheduled for this evening at the Spaulding Hotel in Michigan City. Members of the state highway commission and prominent men were in attendance.

November 17, 1923

The Dunes Highway was officially opened yesterday amid a downpour of sleet and rain. The automobile train left Gary at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and stopped at Baillytown where a short dedicatory ceremony was held in charge of Captain H. S. Norton, president of the Commercial Club of Gary. Their entourage was composed of representatives of every city in the Calumet district and a number of cars from Chicago. Proceeding to Michigan City, a banquet was served at Hotel Spaulding to 200 persons. Earl Crawford, member of the state highway commission, spoke. Valparaiso was represented by E. J. Freund, Herbert Schleman, H. V. Deopker, A. R. Hardesty and W. C. Dutter, the latter manager of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.

Valparaiso Mayor E. W. Agar, Chief of Police Charles Cook, Prosecutor F. R. Marine and Porter County Sheriff William Pennington returned last night from a district meeting held at South Bend yesterday in the interest of the enforcement of the prohibition laws. Nine counties in the northwest part of the state were represented. A number of excellent talks were made on various problems encountered by officials in the enforcement of the eighteenth amendment.

November 18, 1923

Valparaiso University defeated St. Viator Saturday at Kankakee by a score of 10 to 7 in a hard-fought battle. Valpo’s points were scored by White, who went over for a touchdown and kicked goal, and a place kick by Spurgeon. L. Winterhalter scored for St. Viator and also kicked a goal.

At the various services of the Methodist Episcopal Church yesterday, $300 was collected for the relief of starving peoples of the Near East. Alonzo E. Wilson, of Chicago, connected with the Near East organization, made talks on behalf of the movement.

November 19, 1923

R. Surface, halfback of the Valparaiso University football team, is probably the holder of the scoring title for the Midwest, if not the entire country. Surface has tallied sixteen touchdowns already this season, while Grange, of Illinois, who is the highest in the Big 10, has made eleven.

November 20, 1923

Defiance College, scheduled to meet the Valparaiso University football team at Brown Field on Saturday, has canceled its game, according to word received by Coach Shadoan. The reason assigned by Defiance was that the team has been badly crippled by injuries.

November 21, 1923

Political gangsters who wax fat on public office were assailed by D. C. Stephenson, grand dragon of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan in a speech at the Memorial Opera House last night. A packed house heard the address. “We must take the graft out and put God in,” Stephenson declared. He bitterly assailed the Federal Reserve System of banking. He also asserted laws must be passed to stop the riff-raff from Europe coming into the country.

Two extensions will be made at the Lewis E. Myers & Company in Chautauqua Park early next year, it was announced today. It is planned to double the two-story portion of the plant. The second extension will be in the rear of the present plant and will be used for the manufacturer of Hy-San Colors art pencils. Portions of the company business now being conducted in the other centers will be moved here.

November 22, 1923

Covers were laid for forty last night at the Tokyo Tea Room on the occasion of an organization banquet of the Hill Club. The new organization, a fraternity, is for students, and has been formed to foster a feeling of good fellowship between students and to advance a friendly feeling for Valparaiso University among people in various communities where students live. Membership has been limited to 160.

The Tuesberg Land Company, of St. Joseph, Mich., yesterday submitted a bid of $15,000 to the state auditor at Indianapolis for a quantity of land at the headwaters of the Kankakee River in Starke and Porter Counties. The company plans to retain part of the land and transfer the rest to the state conservation department for state park purposes.

November 23, 1923

Rev. C. E. Burns, pastor of the Christian Church, will be the main speaker at the annual Lodge of Sorrow of the Valparaiso Lodge of Elks on Sunday, December 2, at the lodge hall on West Lincolnway. Four members of the lodge, John McGuillicuddy, J. Fred Fitzwilliam, Otto P. Wharton, and James R. Malone have died during the year.

Eight Porter County men were granted naturalization papers at a hearing held in Porter Circuit Court today. National examiner W. W. Wiggins, of Chicago, conducted the hearing. Three men were turned down because they claimed exemption as aliens during the World War.

November 24, 1923

Reports coming in from various townships of the county bring the assurance that more than 1,000 members are already signed up in the farm bureau membership campaign commenced last Monday. Six townships reported a total of 719 members. The townships reporting showed enrollment as follows: Porter, 203; Washington, 122; Pleasant, 120; Portage, 110; Center, 84; Pine, 71. Other townships have not reported, but indications are that all will show increases over last year.

Kirchhoff Park, on the eastern edge of Valparaiso, is being placed in condition preparatory to being turned over to the Civic Association. A fence is being placed around the park and a number of trees are being set out.

November 25, 1923

The Kaber Company, florists, of LaPorte, have leased the Schleman-Morton Company building on Washington Street, formerly occupied by Hardesty and Moser, dry cleaners. The latter firm has consolidated its business in the Vail Jewelry Store building following its purchase of the Valparaiso Dry Cleaning business of Joseph Mottl. The Kaber Company maintains a large floral shop at LaPorte.

November 26, 1923

P. T. Clifford & Son, of Valparaiso, today started moving an outfit from Belleville, Ohio, where the concern has the contract for twelve miles of double track for the Nickel Plate Railroad from Fostoria to Arcadia. The company also has a shovel outfit in operation at Maple Grove, Ohio.

November 27, 1923

The county wards enjoyed their annual banquet at the Porter County Infirmary yesterday. Seventeen years ago yesterday, Superintendent E. T. Funk moved the wards into the present building which is one of the best in northern Indiana. The only guests outside the wards were Miss Gulbransen, superintendent of the Christian Hospital, and Dr. Loren Lewis. Roast goose was the chief article on the bill of fare.

Henry Schickler, representative of the No-Tobacco League of Indiana, is working in Valparaiso for a few days. His chief work is to keep the cigarette from the growing boy and girl. He spoke Sunday in four churches and yesterday afternoon addressed the Mothers’ Club. A week ago, he spoke to Valparaiso High School pupils. Mr. Stickler will probably give his famous lecture, “Around the World Without a Cent” before leaving the city.

November 28, 1923

Indiana Federation Day was observed last night at the home of Mrs. A. O. Dobbins. “The Return of the Delegates” presented the reports of the four delegates, Mesdames Boucher, Bondy, Chaffee, and Pagin. A poll of the members showed Coolidge received almost half the votes cast for president with Johnson, McAdoo, and Ford the next three in favor.

November 29, 1923

Playing knee deep in mud and water, Valparaiso University and the University of Dubuque battled to a scoreless tie at Brown Field in the annual Turkey Day football game yesterday. Coach Shadoan’s warriors were slowed up by the heavy field. Both teams displayed some fine defensive football. Dubuque held Valpo on the two-yard line at one point. Valpo ended the season with four victories, two defeats, and one tie.

November 30, 1923

The Valparaiso High School Varsity defeated the Valparaiso High School Alumni in basketball last night, 18 to 10. Coach Ralph E. Schenck’s team had their shooting eyes in form. George Douglas, with four baskets, led the varsity. Larson was best for the alumni with three baskets.

Looking Back • October 1923

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

October 1, 1923

George Scoofakes and Nick Georgiakes have dissolved their partnership in the College Inn at 454 Greenwich Street in Valparaiso. Mr. Scoofakes is purchasing Mr. Georgiakes’ interest in the restaurant. Attorney A. C. Faulkner represented the parties.

October 2, 1923

The new street signs are being placed throughout Valparaiso today by Street Commissioner William Arnold. The signs were purchased from the Union Iron Company of East Chicago.

October 3, 1923

By a deal concluded today, William Schleman traded his fine residence property on North Lafayette Street in Valparaiso to Glen J. Goddard for a business property at Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Goddard will move to his new acquisition. Mr. Schleman will build a new residence in Forest Park.

John J. McGuire, who has been connected with the law office of Prosecutor F. R. Marine for several months, has been named deputy prosecutor to succeed Oliver Loomis, who resigned to enter the law practice with Daniel E. Kelley.

October 4, 1923

J. Paris Cox, who fleeced Porter County, including many farmers, out of thousands of dollars, is under arrest at Jefferson City, Mo. He is fighting extradition to Vincennes, Ind., where he is wanted on a charge of obtaining $20,000 from farmers in the sale of medicine kits.

Rev. Guy O. Carpenter, transferred to the Methodist church at Crawfordsville, Ind., will leave tomorrow for that place. Mrs. Carpenter and son, Guy Duncan, will accompany him.

October 5, 1923

Dr. D. D. Hays, a representative of the United Doctors, with headquarters at Milwaukee, Wis., was arrested in Valparaiso Wednesday night by Marshal Carrier, of Hobart. A Hobart doctor preferred the charge against Hays of practicing medicine without a license. Hays was returned to Hobart and fined $25 and costs, amounting to $45.

Two hundred Valparaiso University students will journey to Kalamazoo to watch the opening football game between Valparaiso and Kalamazoo College. While some will make the trip in autos, the greater number will either hitchhike or ride freight trains.

October 6, 1923

Harry Herrick, who has been conducting a grocery business on East Lincolnway, sold his Valparaiso business to W. G. Windle and Son. Invoicing of the stock will start next week. Herrick has been owner of the business twice during the last twelve years, and, in each instance, has sold out to the Windles.

Glen J. Hardesty and John Moser, who recently formed a partnership in the dry-cleaning business, have leased the Schleman-Morton building, formerly occupied by the Valparaiso Chamber, on Washington Street in Valparaiso. Messrs. Hardesty and Moser recently took over the Up-to-Date Dry Cleaning plant at the Grand Trunk Railroad and will operate the plant.

October 7, 1923

Valparaiso University football team lost its first game of the season Saturday at Kalamazoo, Mich., when Kalamazoo defeated the locals, 6 to 0. The Michigan team scored on a fumble by White on the 45-yard line. A Kalamazoo player scooped up the ball and raced the distance for a touchdown.

Froebel High School, of Gary, defeated Valparaiso High School gridders Saturday at Gary, 27 to 0. Froebel scored twice in the first quarter and twice in the third. Valpo lost a fine opportunity to score when a forward pass across the goal line by Herbie Douglas to Johnny Lowenstine was fumbled.

October 8, 1923

Today is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, which started on Oct. 8, 1871, and burned for many days. W. G. Windle, of Valparaiso, was a fireman on a railroad train approaching the city when the fire was at its height. Many Valparaiso people recall viewing the heavens during the fire and seeing the sky a vivid red.

October 9, 1923

Porter County has 411.68 miles of improved highway, according to figures compiled by Auditor B. H. Kinne for the state auditor. This month $500,000 will be distributed to the different counties. Of the amount, $250 ,000 will be divided equally among the 92 counties. The remainder will be divided on the basis of miles of improved highway. The state auditor will also distribute $1,000,000 in gasoline taxes. This money is to be spent for road improvements.

October 10, 1923

The new building being constructed by John F. Sievers on East Lincolnway, next to the Johnson Oil Filling Station, will be occupied by the Mark Palmer Automobile Agency. The latter company is now occupying the Dolson building, which will be taken over by the Harvil Brothers. The Maxwell Implement Company will move from the Henry building presently occupied by Harvil Brothers.

Street Commissioner William Arnold, who is in charge of erecting the new street signs throughout Valparaiso, reports the work is progressing nicely. The posts are being set in concrete to a depth of three feet. The signs will be installed as soon as all posts are in.

October 11, 1923

On Oct. 12, the day set by Judge H. H. Loring in the Porter Circuit Court for the execution of Harry Diamond in the prison at Michigan City, following his convicting in June for the murder of his wife, Nettie Hershcovitz Diamond, near Eash Chicago, last February, the transcript of the case will be filed in the Indiana Supreme Court. The transcript comprises 1,010 pages of type-written matter and was turned out by court reporters S. P. Corboy and Walter Harrold. Governor McCray granted Diamond a reprieve of sixty days so Diamond’s attorneys could perfect their appeal.

A permanent carrier was added to the city force at the Valparaiso Post Office, Postmaster A. N. Worstell announced today. The routes will be redistricted this week. No appointment has yet been made by the post office department. Maurice O’Donnell, substitute carrier, is filling the role at present. The local post office now has nine city carriers, including parcel post delivery.

October 12, 1923

Jimmy Baker, 83, was before Judge H. H. Loring today for a reprimand for his action yesterday on Franklin Avenue when he hugged a young woman who was gazing in a store display window. Baker has been an annoyance to young girls for some time. He was warned that a repetition of the offense would result in a jail term.

Frank A. LePell, Valparaiso undertaker, was elected president of the Fifth District Undertakers’ and Embalmers’ Association at a meeting held in Gary at the Williams Funeral Parlors. The fifth district comprises nine northwestern Indiana counties. Mr. LePell, C. L. Bartholomew, and Charles H. Stinchfield attended the meeting.

October 13, 1923

Ku Klux Klan of Westchester Township took a leading part in the Chesterton election held Wednesday and Thursday in town hall. Both elections were virtually controlled by the klan. Wednesday night, C. L. Lindsey was nominated for trustee and August Hjalmer Vedell for clerk on the Citizens’ Ticket. Thursday night, John Sheley was nominated for trustee and Silver Witte for clerk on the Peoples’ Ticket. All nominees are said to be members of the klan.

Plans for an industrial city at the mouth of the Burns’ Ditch in northwest Porter County are in the making. The Consumers’ Company, of Chicago, which owns 2,000 acres along the Lake Michigan front, is said to be planning to build an industrial city and a large lake harbor.

October 14, 1923

Des Moines University gridders defeated Valparaiso University here Saturday by a count of 6 to 3, when the referee ruled a Des Moines forward pass complete on the Valpo six-inch line, from where a plunger carried it over. Spurgeon scored Valpo’s three points in the fourth quarter when he booted a place kick from the 30-yard line.

Valparaiso High School defeated LaPorte High in football at Brown Field Saturday, 12 to 0. Valparaiso was crippled by injuries, but managed to crash through the LaPorte line with line smashes and cross bucks for two touchdowns.

October 15, 1923

The Valparaiso League of Women Voters was host to the Tenth District convention of the Indiana League of Women Voters this afternoon and evening. Mrs. W. H. Parkinson, of Lafayette, was elected chairman, and Mrs. E. H. Earle, of Valparaiso, was named secretary-treasurer. Mrs. Walter Greenough, past state president, and Prof. Robert Phillips, of Purdue University, gave talks.

October 16, 1923

Roscoe Shedd, of Valparaiso, received a shipment of sunfish and black bass for stocking Long Lake, and Isaac Dillingham received a consignment of perch for Wauhob Lake. The fish were sent here from a government hatchery.

October 17, 1923

Wood Street, which has been a bone of contention in Valparaiso for the last ten years in the way of establishment, is to be established, Mayor E. W. Agar announced today. He said the city would pay judgments recently awarded in the Porter Circuit Court by Special Judge Grant Crumpacker against the city in the sum of $600 in two suits filed by T. R. Lannin and Roscoe R. Shedd. City authorities had decided to rescind a resolution establishing the street, but now it has been decided to go through with it. A number of property owners on the east side of Limit Street will plot land owned by them to build homes.

Congressman Will R. Wood, of the Tenth Indiana District, spoke at Valparaiso University this morning on “Conditions in Europe.” The speaker declared that France should pay its war debt to the United States in full. “There is no justification for France withholding payment when such large sums are being expended by her for military operations,” Congressman Wood said. “Unless that country is curtailed by payment of her just obligations to the United States, another war is inevitable,” he said.

October 18, 1923

The Portage Home Telephone Company has made an application to the Public Service Commission of Indiana for permission to raise rates. The rate increase is being sought to provide for necessary expenses and depreciation and afford a fair return on the value of the physical property. The home office is at Crisman, and E. S. Miller, of Valparaiso, is president, and E. A. Anderson, secretary-treasurer.

The Indiana Supreme Court yesterday granted a stay of execution until April 4, 1924, to Harry Diamond, sentenced to death in Porter Circuit Court for the slaying of his wife near East Chicago, on Feb. 25, 1923. The stay was granted to permit Diamond’s attorneys to perfect their appeal.

October 19, 1923

Mark L. Dickover, one of the prominent Masons of Porter County, was honored yesterday at the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter of Masons at Indianapolis. He was elected Grand Captain of the host, which is in line for the office of Grand High Priest, highest office in the chapter. The next session of the grand chapter will be held at Terre Haute, in October 1924.

About a dozen guests were routed from their beds last night when fire broke out in the Belmont Hotel on Lincolnway in Valparaiso. The fire was discovered by one of the guests, who gave the alarm. Fireman were unable to located the seat of the blaze for some time. The fire originated from a cook range and worked its way up through an air shaft. About an hour was required to extinguish the blaze.

October 20, 1923

Ross McLellan, Westinghouse Electric Company representative in New York City, is now engaged in making a survey of railroads in Europe for the purpose of electrification. According to a letter received here in Valparaiso by his mother, McLellan now in Stockholm, Sweden, and plans to go to Germany, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, and Spain.

A reception was given in the parlors at the Methodist Church in honor of Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Strecker. Rev. Strecker is the new pastor. About 200 attended. Prof. W. F. Ellis, for many years a friend of the Streckers, gave an address of welcome. Short talks were made by Revs. W. W. Ayer, C. W. Wharton, and C. E. Burns. C. M. Lish, Sunday school superintendent, presided.

October 21, 1923

Sons of Veterans held a banquet and entertainment in the Grand Army of the Republic post rooms at the Memorial Opera House on Saturday night for veterans of the Civil War. Fifteen men who saw service were present and their combined ages were 1,181 years, or an average of 79 years. They were E. M. Burns, 77; William Beltzhoover, 79; N. J. Bozarth, 74; Charles Doty, 77; Joseph Glover, 73; Joseph Hollenried, 83; Louis Laduer, 77; T. B. Louderback, 85; Jacob Mooker, 79; B. E. Reading, 84; Heber Stoddard, 75; John H. Bayles, 79; John Buchanan, 74; J. S. Wilcox, 77; James Hodgins, 78.

Valparaiso University gridders defeated Chicago Y. M. C. A. here on Saturday by a score of 44 to 3. The Chicago Y scored on a drop kick by Captain Nelson. Valparaiso High gridders lost to Whiting High in the curtain raiser, 9 to 6.

October 22, 1923

Notices have been mailed to several hundred owners of real estate in Porter County by treasurer J. G. Graessle that special assessments of taxes for the construction of the Burns Ditch are due and payable today. Unless they are paid by December 24, they become a bonded lien upon the real estate which cannot be sold or transferred until the ditch taxes are paid. Taxes to be paid in Porter County amounted to $30, 480, and in Lake County to $304,654.15. The ditch is mainly in Porter County, but Lake County will receive the greater benefit. The total cost of the ditch is $335,134.15.

October 23, 1923

The body of the unknown young man killed by a switch engine on the New York Central Railroad at Dune Park on October 5, now reposes in the Chesterton Cemetery. The identity of the young man will probably go down as an unsolved mystery. Many inquiries were received by Dr. H. O. Seipel, county coroner, relating to the young man and a number of persons viewed the body. Pictures were taken of the victim before he was buried.

October 24, 1923

Dunes Acres, in Porter County, held an election Saturday. Mrs. Mary R. Spring was named trustee of the First Ward; Arthur P. Melton, trustee of the Second Ward; S. M. Hunter, trustee Third Ward, and Mrs. Edith M. Melton, clerk-treasurer. All successful candidates received five votes apiece. Dunes Acres is situated on a large tract of land known as the Lehman estate, leased for a period of 99 years by W. A. Wirt and others. A large hotel and residential section will be built on the tract.

The case of Valparaiso University versus the Cook Laboratories, Inc., and the Valparaiso Realty Company, in which the university trustees are seeking to establish title to Valparaiso University in real estate occupied by the school and ownership of the common stock of the Valparaiso Realty Company, was venued today from the Porter Circuit Court to the Lake Circuit Court at Crown Point. An attempt was made four weeks ago to have the case transferred to the federal court at Indianapolis.

October 25, 1923

Yesterday afternoon at the office of Porter County Surveyor Floyd M. McNiece, the contract for the construction of the Sandy Hook Ditch in the south part of Porter County was awarded by Samuel H. Adams, ditch commissioner. The McWilliams Land Company, of Chicago and Memphis, Tenn., was awarded the contract for Section 1 of the ditch at a bid of $13,400. Will Brown, of Hebron, was awarded the contract for Section 2, at a bid of $29,500, and the Portland Drain Tile Company, of Portland, Ind., the tile work at $18,000. The ditch was established some time ago in Porter Circuit Court by Special Judge George H. Hershman, of Crown Point. The ditch traverses through Porter, Morgan, Boone and Pleasant Townships, and will drain 15,000 acres.

Mrs. Jewel Hembroff Rumney, of Valparaiso, has been appointed county health nurse, and assumed her duties on Oct. 15. She has been employed by the Valparaiso school board, Porter County Red Cross, and Porter County Anti-Tuberculosis Society for one year. Mrs. Rumney, a graduate of Valparaiso High School and West Side Hospital in Chicago, will devote part time to the city schools and part time to the rural schools.

October 26, 1923

Furniture and fixtures of the Valpo Candy Kitchen, formerly located in the Horn building on West Lincolnway, was sold at the sheriff’s sale this morning by Sheriff William Pennington to Albert Pick and Company, of Chicago, to satisfy judgment of $6,000 obtained at foreclosure of mortgage by the Chicago firm. The fixtures have been stored in the warehouse of H. W. Robinson Transfer Company for several months.

Justice T. B. Louderback, before whom numerous automobile speeders on Lincolnway have been tried and fined recently, today issued a statement defending his position. “Every man brought before me has admitted driving between 40 and 50 miles an hour, and in view of this fact I have assessed the smallest fine within my power, $1,” Justice Louderback said.

October 27, 1923

Porter Township was the winner of the silver cup donated by the Porter County Bankers’ Association to the township securing the highest number of points for exhibits at the recent Porter County Fair. Porter had 1,140 points; Center, 582, and Washington, 531. Other townships ranged from 179 to 10. Porter Township won the trophy last year.

At a meeting of the Valparaiso City Council last night, the South End Sewer Project became involved in a tangle. City Civil Engineer Floyd R. McNiece presented plans and specifications, but the city was unable to obtain an easement from Joseph Siemiontkowske, living south of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The sewer traverses the Siemiontkowske property, and the owner wants $100 damages and exemption from sewer assessments amounting to $730.

October 28, 1923

The Salvation Army Band, of Chicago, under the leadership of Col. Flynn visited Valparaiso yesterday and played concerts in the downtown district and later in the Christian Church. The program consisted of religious and classical numbers. The organization came here from Gary.

Valparaiso University defeated DePaul University Saturday afternoon in Chicago by a count of 34 to 7. The field was muddy, and the locals were forced to play straight football. DePaul outweighed Valpo but the shifty attack of the locals proved too much for the Chicago team. DePaul scored in the closing minutes on a long end run.

October 29, 1923

Attorney Arthur Sapp, of Huntington, Ind., Rotary District Governor for the 20th District, was guest of honor at the Valparaiso Rotary Club banquet meeting at Hotel Lembke. He delivered a fine talk on the principles of Rotarianism. A banquet preceded the address.

October 30, 1923

Congressman Will R. Wood, of the Tenth Indiana District, spoke to members of the Kiwanis Club this noon at the Hotel Lembke. His talk centered mainly around the immigrant question. Mr. Wood gathered facts for his talk during the recent European visit he made with Secretary of Labor Davis. He told the Kiwanians that no immigration will mean economic ruin in America.

October 31, 1923

Michigan Central Flyer No. 14, eastbound, was ditched at Kittle’s Crossing, two miles east of Chesterton at 4:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon when it was in collision with a meat truck owned by the Armour Packing Company. Frank Landis, of Gary, driver of the truck, suffered a fractured skull. F. H. Diffenbaugh, of Michigan City, engineer of the derailed train, was slightly hurt.

Albert Waldschmidt and Clifford Hymes, two youths who ran away from their home in Milwaukee, Wis., and wrecked the interior of the Washington Township High School, east of Valparaiso, after looting the place of valuables, were taken to places of confinement today. Waldschmidt went to the Jeffersonville Reformatory for one to eight years, and Hymes to the Plainfield Boys’ School.

Looking Back • September 1923

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

September 1, 1923

The Hotel Lembke, Valparaiso’s new hostelry, enjoyed a partial opening today. The cafeteria, lobby, and two floors of building were available to the public. The cafeteria was opened at 11 o’clock and hundreds of Valparaiso people partook of their first meal in the structure. The hotel housed a number of guests Thursday night for the first time and last night every available room was taken. J. E. Dreschoff, manager of the hotel and the man largely responsible for its completion, said today the grand opening would be held on September 13.

Former Judge Alvin D. Bartholomew, oldest member of the Porter County bar, was badly injured yesterday afternoon at 3:20 o’clock when he was struck by an automobile driven by Joseph Raleigh, of Chicago, near the Stinchfield-Fehrman furniture store on West Lincolnway. Mr. Bartholomew was crossing the street to go to the post office at the time. He suffered a broken collar bone, bruises and contusions about the body, arms, and legs.

September 2, 1923

James Scott, residing at the corner of Lafayette and Jefferson Streets in Valparaiso, and employed as a lineman by the Northwestern Indiana Telephone Company, suffered a fracture of both ankles yesterday afternoon when he fell from the top of a pole on Elmhurst Avenue in Chautauqua Park. The accident was caused when a safety belt broke.

September 3, 1923

Ralph Dunkelberger, age 5, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Dunkelberger, of Wheeler, Porter County, was instantly killed this afternoon when a wheel from a racing car in the fifty-mile dirt track race, at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds at LaPorte, broke from the machine and was hurled through the fence, striking the boy in the face and chest.

September 4, 1923

Porter County’s educational exhibit at the Indiana State Fair at Indianapolis captured first prize of $200. The exhibit carried out the testing of cattle for tuberculosis. Paul Mather, Valparaiso artist, made the exhibit. Mr. Mather also built the Porter County exhibit which last year took second prize at the state fair. The exhibit will be shown at the Porter County Fair.

September 5, 1923

The Ku Klux Klan of Indiana today announced that plans of the organization for taking over Valparaiso University have been dropped and Valparaiso University officials have been notified. Reasons assigned for the failure to carry out the proposed project were that legal difficulties interposed. The word to the local school officials came from Milton E. Elrod, one of the principal Klan officials in Indiana.

September 6, 1923

Dunes Acres is the name of a newly incorporated town that is to be built in the sand dunes of Portage Township on a tract of land held by W. A. Wirt and others for the development of a town site. The necessary papers were filed today in the office of the Porter County Recorder. A meeting will be held September 15 to elect a board of town trustees and other officials for the new town.

George Pearce, of Valparaiso, superintendent of state roads for this district, has received order from the state highway department to widen the Dunes Highway and Lincoln Highway two feet on each side. Work on this improvement will be commenced in the very near future. Mr. Pearce reports that the Lincoln Highway, east of Valparaiso, is now under construction as far as Prattville, and the foundation has been laid to a four-inch top of penetration asphalt.

September 7, 1923

Miss Hope Drown, a daughter of Clarence Drown, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Valparaiso, who takes the principal role in the big Paramount picture, “Hollywood,” which is being shown at the Premier Theatre tonight and tomorrow, has forsaken the movies for a time and will take up her work on the stage. Miss Drown has joined Frank Keenan, noted actor, in the play, “Peter Weston,” which opens September 17, in the Sam Harris Theatre in New York City.

A petition for the erection of a new building in the First Ward* will be circulated among the taxpayers of Valparaiso for signing during the next two weeks. Every citizen, voter, and taxpayer, patron, and friend of the school will be invited to sign. It is contended that a new school building is needed in the First Ward because of the large number of school children in the ward. The petition will ask the school board to proceed at once with construction of a new grade school on the site of property owned by the school city in the ward.

*Columbia School was Valparaiso’s First Ward School at this time.

September 8, 1923

T. P. Galvin, member of the firm of Kelly & Galvin for the last seven years, will leave Sept. 15 to enter the law practice at Hammond with his brother, Francis Galvin, who recently was graduated from Notre Dame. The Galvins have purchased the law library of the Collins Brothers, of Michigan City. Oliver Loomis, who has been acting as deputy prosecutor, will become associated with Mr. Kelly, beginning Monday.

Sixty-four couples attended a farewell dance given at the Armory Hall last night by the Mandarin Club. Miss Viola Specht and Earl Scott, the latter being vice-president of the club, led the grand march. They were followed by Miss Autumn Bartholomew and Ralph Brenner, the latter being president of the club. Cope Harvey’s Opera Club Orchestra, now filling engagements at the College Inn, Chicago, furnished the music. The dance was given in honor of eight young men who are leaving Valparaiso for other cities. They are: Ralph Brenner, Bernard Finnigan, Dickey Mitchell, Glen Mitzner, Russel Nixon, Otis Sanford, Leonard Spooner, and Kenneth Turner.

September 9, 1923

Judge H. H. Loring, of the Porter Circuit Court, and Mrs. Loring, who have been touring Europe since last June, will arrive home Wednesday night. Judge Loring and wife landed in New York City this morning, according to word received here by Attorney Bruce B. Loring. Judge Loring is scheduled to hear arguments on a motion for a new trial for Harry Diamond, of Gary, convicted by a jury in the Porter Circuit Court of the slaying of his wife, and sentenced to the electric chair.

The American Legion Post of Hebron is $300 richer today as the result of insuring its two-day homecoming celebration August 31 and September 1, against rain. The backers of the project took out a policy of $300 with Harry Albe, local agent of the Aetna Insurance Company. Last Friday, the check for the amount was turned over to Legion officials.

September 10, 1923

DeWitt Hodsden, who was elected trustee of Union Township at the last general election, has tendered his resignation to the county board of commissioners and that body has named John M. Brown to fill out the unexpired term. Hodsden resigned because of ill health. At the time of the election last year, he underwent an operation in Gary, and has never fully recovered from its effects.

September 11, 1923

Charles Reagan, of Valparaiso, was severely injured this morning when he was struck by a Pennsylvania Accommodation Train at the Osborn Crossing one mile west of Wanatah. Reagan, who is a traveling representative of the International Harvester Company, was on his way to Wanatah in a new Buick roadster. He suffered a broken arm, crushed forehead, and a deep gash on the head, besides cuts and bruises on the arms and body.

September 12, 1923

Judge and Mrs. H. H. Loring returned today from a three months’ tour abroad, Judge Loring made an investigation of the judiciary system while in London. He was accorded an invitation to sit on the bench with the three judges in the Old Bailey Court. He also visited the House of Parliament and the House of Lords.

September 13, 1923

George Keogan, formerly coach of the St. Louis and Valparaiso Universities, has joined the Notre Dame coaching staff and will take charge of the freshmen football team. He will also have charge of the baseball squad next spring.

The reported sale of Valparaiso University to the Ku Klux Klan is the basis of a writeup in this month’s Literary Digest. The article contains excerpts of opinions of various newspapers and other periodicals throughout the country, mostly in a satirical vein, concerning the acquisition of the school by the Klan.

September 14, 1923

Manager J. E. Dreschoff has secured Hope Harvey’s Orchestra of nine pieces from Chicago for the grand opening of Hotel Lembke on Sept. 19. The orchestra will furnish music for the diners and dancing. A number of artists will accompany the orchestra.

The Valparaiso-Chesterton Highway is in bad condition because of traffic which is using it as a detour from Lincoln Highway to Dunes Highway. County Supt. Joseph Crowe has had a force of men working on it all summer. The state plans to take over the highway soon.

September 15, 1923

The Valparaiso Penslars lost to the soldiers’ team of Valparaiso University Training Detachment yesterday, 4 to 0. William Peters pitched a fine ball for the Penslars, but errors behind him hurt.

Valparaiso University will have 200 federal board trainees this coming year, Dr. H. M. Evans, president, said today.

More than $520 ($9,241 in 2023) for the Japanese earthquake sufferers has been raised by the Porter County Red Cross.

September 16, 1923

Fifty years ago today, Henry Baker Brown, who came here from Ohio, founded the school now known as Valparaiso University. For 44 years he remained at the helm until his death on Sep. 17, 1917.

Yesterday on his 64th birthday anniversary, Rev. G. Taylor Griffith, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, held a holy communion service with local members and those of St. Stephen’s Church, Hobart, participating.

September 17, 1923

Judge H. H. Loring yesterday refused a new trial to Harry Diamond, Gary man, convicted in Porter Circuit Court and sentenced to die in the electric chair for the murder of his wife, Nettie, near Gary. Attorneys for Diamond said they will pray an appeal to the supreme court. Diamond will die in Michigan City prison Oct. 12 unless the high court intervenes.

C. A. Highgate and son, A. G. Highgate, of Chicago, are visiting at the home of Robert Wark and family. More than forty years ago, Mr. Highgate learned the printer’s trade at the Vidette, and was also employed by the Messenger. He is now engaged in the printing business in Chicago.

September 18, 1923

The fancy cow and horse barn at the Montdale Stock Farm, east of Valparaiso, destroyed by fire this past Aug. 27, when lightning hit the structure, will be rebuilt larger and better than formerly, according to J. W. Dowd, owner of the farm. The contract for the building was awarded yesterday to the Smith & Smiths Company of Valparaiso, and work will be started in a few days. Mr. Dowd is connected with the Newton-Dowd Dairy Company, Chicago.

September 19, 1923

W. E. Dittman, crossing watchman of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Valparaiso, was placed on the pension roll September 1, after serving forty-one years. For more than twenty years, he was employed at Wanatah in charge of the pumping station. He was transferred to Valparaiso several months ago as crossing watchman.

September 20, 1923

Valparaiso’s new hotel, the Hotel Lembke, was opened to the public in a formal manner last evening. The event was celebrated with a banquet and dance. More than 150 persons were in attendance. The Wells Orchestra furnished music for the repast and also for the dancers.

The case of the State of Indiana in relation of Erland Lindahl, trustee of Jackson Township, versus the Porter County Board of Commissioners, is being heard today by Judge Harry L. Crumpacker in Porter Superior Court. Lindall is trying to force the county board to build a new bridge over Coffee Creek at the Tratebas Mill Pond. The bridge was damaged by heavy rains.

September 21, 1923

John Jonorski, one of the men involved in the shooting of Deputy Sheriff W. B. Forney in a raid on the Frank Percy farm in Portage Township on Aug. 28, pleaded guilty to the manufacture and sale of whiskey in Porter Superior Court. He was fined $15 ($266 in 2023) and costs and sentenced to sixty days in the Porter County Jail.

Miss Ruth Addoms, former local school teacher, is visiting at the E. W. Chaffee home. She will attend the University of Wisconsin for a postgraduate course.

September 22, 1923

Foundations have been completed and brick work is under way for the new building of the McGill Manufacturing Company on Napoleon Street in Valparaiso. The Carnegie Construction Company of Chicago, general contractor, has promised completion of the building by Nov. 1.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lister, of England, are visiting at the home of Judge and Mrs. H. H. Loring. The Listers accompanied the Lorings on the return journey from Europe. Mrs. Loring and Mrs. Lister are cousins.

September 23, 1923

Four persons were killed in an auto crash near Valparaiso over the weekend. Rey Hammond, 48, his wife, 38, and son Kenneth, 2, of Roma Park, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Passaday, 50, of Kankakee, Ill., were killed Sunday evening at the Nickel Plate crossing on the Lincoln Highway, one mile west of Valparaiso, when struck by a Nickel Plate train. They were returning to their homes from a visit in LaPorte.

Valparaiso High and East Chicago gridders played a 12 to 12 tie at Brown Field Saturday. The locals assumed a 12 to 0 lead in the first half but fell apart in the second when East Chicago tallied on two long runs, one on an intercepted pass. Valpo scored on two long dashes by Shinabarger, on a fumble, and George Douglas on a 50-yard smash off tackle.

September 24, 1923

Rev. and Mrs. C. G. Roadarmel, formerly of Valparaiso, are now located at Greensburg, Indiana, where he is pastor of the Baptist Church. He was forced to resign from the local pastorate because of ill health and went to California. Household goods stored here are being shipped to Greensburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lowenstine were welcomed last night from a several years residence in California by employees of the Lowenstine store. A dinner was served at Hotel Lembke to 100 persons. Dutton’s orchestra provided music for dancing. Talks were given.

September 25, 1923

About 3,000 Klansmen from Kouts and surrounding towns took possession of Kouts last night. The program which was open to the public began at 7:30 o’clock with an address by Mrs. T. C. Osborne, a state speaker. Following the speaking, the Klan members headed by a band, paraded through the business section of the town. On their return to the grounds other addresses were made.

September 26, 1923

As soon as attorneys for the Burns Ditch complete the preparation of the official record of the proceedings in which the ditch bonds are authorized, Clyde Walb, head of the Walb Construction Company of Lagrange, Ind., who has the contract for excavation of the ditch, will ship his machinery to the scene of operations in Porter County and begin work without waiting for the sale of the bonds.

September 27, 1923

The Froberg Remedy Company, of Valparaiso, recently incorporated by the state, has filed its articles with the Porter County recorder. Capital is $10,000 ($177,727.33 in 2023) and directors are John Froberg, Charles L. Jeffrey, and E. L. Morgan.

A committee of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and citizens went to Chicago today to confer with Henry Kinsey Brown and John J. McGregor, officials of the Cook Laboratories, Inc., relative to bringing the plant to Valparaiso. The company must seek new quarters.

September 28, 1923

Governor Matson, of Knox, was a Valparaiso visitor yesterday and was a prominent figure at the Porter County Fair. With his coat full of badges, he attracted considerable attention. With his fireman-police star he had full sway into the shows, grandstand, and other places. For more than thirty years, he has been a regular visitor to Valparaiso and the latch string is always out when he comes.

September 29, 1923

Glen J. Hardesty, who has recently moved back from South Bend, and John Moser, who has been connected with Abe Klein, clothier, have formed a partnership in a dry-cleaning establishment. The firm has taken over the Up-to-Date Cleaning plant on North Washington Street in Valparaiso.

Of the twenty-two students making an “All-A” record in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University last year, two were from Valparaiso. They are Hazel L. Butler and Laura H. Neet. Two thousand students are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.

September 30, 1923

Coach Ralph Schenck’s green and white football team was defeated by Hammond Saturday at Brown Field, 13 to 0. Valparaiso threatened several times but did not have a scoring punch.

Rev. Guy O. Carpenter, for four-and-a half-years pastor of the Valparaiso Methodist Church, has been transferred to Crawfordsville by Bishop Leete. Local members were assured that Rev. Carpenter would remain here, but a factional fight developed at Crawfordsville. Rev. E. W. Strecker, of Rensselaer, will come here.

Looking Back • August 1923

These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.

August 1, 1923

The theater section of the Indianapolis News contains a fine write-up of Miss Beulah Bondy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. O. Bondy, of Valparaiso. The paper also contains a large picture of Miss Bondy. The News says that it is doubtful whether any of the new actors which Stuart Walker has introduced to Indianapolis during the last few years have been so warmly received by audiences as has Miss Beulah Bondy.

The Hebron Theater at Hebron, which has been closed since fire damaged it some time ago, will be reopened Friday evening, August 3, with a showing of Harold Lloyd in “Dr. Jack” and Will Rogers in “Fruits of Faith.” Extensive repairs and improvements have been made to the interior of the building.

August 2, 1923

Attempts to learn whether the Ku Klux Klan had taken over Valparaiso University proved futile today. Local representatives of the Klan were in Indianapolis yesterday conferring with state officials. Today local klan officials are attending a meeting in Chicago.

South Porter County residents living near Burrows’ Camp have retained Attorney P. J. Bailey, of Valparaiso, to represent them in action to be taken against Constable Charles Adams and fifteen deputies who raided the Pfiel Dance Hall and created a panic among the dancers. One man attempted to escape by swimming the Kankakee River. Those arrested were taken to Hebron for trial.

August 3, 1923

At a meeting of Valparaiso Lodge of Elks last night, the building committee was empowered to plans, specifications, and estimates of cost for a new building. Two hundred members attended.

Suit for $5,000 ($89,213 in 2023) in damages was filed in Porter Circuit Court today by George Pfiel, proprietor of a dance hall at Burrows’ Camp, south of Kouts, against F. Ray Marine, prosecutor; Oliver M. Loomis, deputy prosecutor and Constable Charles Adams. It is claimed the defendants posed as federal officials in a raid on the Pfiel place in search of liquor last Sunday night.

August 4, 1923

It is expected trustees of Valparaiso University will have an answer from the Klan for taking over the school at Monday’s meeting of the board. A meeting of state officials is being held this afternoon at Indianapolis to either accept or reject the local offer.

Valparaiso city officials have made a contract with the Union Iron Products Company, of East Chicago, for 245 street signs. A contract was entered into for street signs during the World War but the company which received the contract failed to go through with it.

August 5, 1923

Lowell won the baseball tourney held Sunday at Kouts, defeating Valparaiso Standards, 2 to 1, and Peotone, Ill., 11 to 0. Peotone defeated Kouts, 4 to 3. Valparaiso lost out to Lowell in the ninth when Lowell scored two runs.

A 74’x56’ addition to the George Downing Garage at the junction of Yellowstone Trail and Lincoln Highway in Valparaiso will be ready for occupancy by Sept. 1.

August 6, 1923

People of Porter County paid tribute to President Warren G. Harding last night as the death train wended its way through the northern confines of the county. Silent crowds of mourners lined the right-of-way of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad tracks. Large crowds gathered at Woodville and Suman as early as 5 o’clock. The train passed through Woodville at 9:20 o’clock.

The county commissioners will keep hands off the constable mess stirred up as a result of the raid on Burrows’ Camp and other excursions about the county in which raids have been staged. The board feels the solution lies in the courts and will not attempt to pass on the eligibility of Constable Charles Adams.

August 7, 1923

George Keogan, who coached winning teams at Valparaiso University in 1920 and 1921, has been employed by Notre Dame University to assist Knute Rockne to direct athletics this fall. Keogan, since leaving Valparaiso, has been coaching at a high school in LaCrosse, Wisc. He will have charge of Notre Dame’s baseball and basketball teams and will assist Coach Rockne in developing football teams, especially freshmen. He will also serve as a Notre Dame scout.

August 8, 1923

Grant Crumpacker, Porter County Attorney, today ruled that Charles Adams is a bona fide constable of Center Township. Mr. Adams was appointed by the commissioners to serve until his successor was elected and none have been elected or qualified, so his appointment still holds, Attorney Crumpacker said. Mr. Adam’s qualifications were attacked recently following a raid on a dance hall at Burrows’ Camp in which a number of arrests were made for liquor violations.

August 9, 1923

The Valparaiso National Bank yesterday awarded the contract to Smith and Smiths Company, of Valparaiso, for the erection of a new bank building. It will be one story with high ceilings, fronting 50’ on South Washington Street, and 90’ in depth.

John Horan, 556 West Jefferson Street, was instantly killed last night when his automobile overturned on the Clifford turn, two miles west of Valparaiso.

August 10, 1923

Valparaiso Rotarians played host yesterday to several hundred boys at a picnic at Brown Field. The Rotarians lost to the boys at baseball, 11 to 8. ‘Texas Jack’ Sullivan entertained with a talk on “Life on a Movie Ranch.” Games, races, and eats were other attractions.

The Valparaiso Lodge of Elks voted last night to lease the lodge building on West Lincolnway to the Valparaiso City School Board for another year. This will delay new building plans for a year.

August 11, 1923

Valparaiso and Porter County paid its last respects to Warren G. Harding, late President of the United States, at memorial services held yesterday afternoon on the courthouse lawn. Business suspended for the observance. Talks were made by E. W. Agar, Rev. Guy O. Carpenter, Mrs. C. W. Boucher, Mrs. E. D. Crumpacker, Rev. E. J. Mungovan, and Dr. H. M. Evans.

William Stoddard, Valparaiso, has been appointed a member of the Indiana State Constabulary. He was recommended by State Senator Will Brown and Byron Smith, commander of American Legion Post No. 94. He will patrol the Dunes, Lincoln, and Jackson Highways.

August 12, 1923

A meeting of the board of the Valparaiso City Council has been called for this evening at the request of Mayor E. W. Agar to investigate complaints regarding indiscriminate use of bad language by several members of the Valparaiso Police Department to traffic violators.

The Valparaiso Standards defeated the Hammond Colonials yesterday at the fairgrounds, 3 to 0. Ray Knight hurled a three hitter for the Standards. Knight also knocked in two runs with singles.

August 13, 1923

The Lee Motor Company, of Valparaiso, has been incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000 ($181,612 in 2023). The company will sell autos and auto accessories.

Clarence Schneider, formerly court reporter for the Porter Circuit Court, has returned to Grand Rapids, Mich., after a visit here. He has been engaged in court reporting at Grand Rapids since his return from World War service. One of his first assignments with the famous Newberry case.

August 14, 1923

Forty-five students received degrees at the fiftieth annual commencement exercises held this morning at Valparaiso University. Judge D. N. Straup, of Utah, who was graduated from the university thirty-five years ago, made the address. President H. M. Evans presented the diplomas.

August 15, 1923

The building formerly occupied by the Jake Marks’ Barber Shop is being demolished today by workmen for the Smith & Smiths Company for a new structure to be erected for the Valparaiso National Bank. The other building on the site, now occupied by a pool room, will be torn down as soon as the pool room is able to occupy a room now being used by the Sievers Drug Company as a wallpaper and paint salesroom.

August 16, 1923

The Ku Klux Klan today announced the purchase of Valparaiso University. C. C. Watkins and Milton E. Elrod, representatives of the state organization, are said to have paid $30,000 ($535,279 in 2023) down to bind the deal. The Klan officials and university directors are meeting this afternoon.

C. C. Polk, a resident of Valparaiso for forty years, and founder of the Polk School of Piano Tuning, died this morning in Christian Hospital. He founded the Polk school twenty-five years ago and sold it recently to Willard Powell and Charles Townes.

August 17, 1923

G. W. Shadoan, of Danville, Ky., new athletic at Valparaiso University, is here for a visit with his sister, Mrs. H. H. Miller, of College Hill. He will visit in Chicago for a few days before taking up his work here. Mr. Shadoan was formerly a noted athlete at Center College.

Clyde A. Walb, republican state chairman, and president of the Walb Construction Company of LaGrange, Ind., which was awarded the construction for the Burns Ditch in Lake and Porter Counties, when bids were opened in Valparaiso several weeks ago, was in Valparaiso for a short stay today. He stated that work on the ditch would be begun in a short time and that he would probably make Valparaiso his headquarters.

August 18, 1923

An ordinance passed by the Valparaiso City Council at its last meeting granting pay increases to city police was vetoed by Mayor E. W. Agar last night. The ordinance was then passed over the mayor’s veto, 4 to 2. Councilman E. S. Miller and Louis Gast voted no. Mayor Agar said his reason for vetoing the ordinance was that the police entered into a contract for one year from last January and he believed the contract should be observed.

The total valuation of all taxable property in Porter County for 1923 is $59,050,790, according to a tabulation complied by Porter County AudItor B. H. Kinne. The amount is made up of real and personal property totaling $30,124,050 as returned by the assessors and $28,926,740, the amount returned by the state tax board against the assessment of railroads and other corporations. The 1923 valuation shows a falling off of $540,870 from 1922.

August 19, 1923

Miss Jessie Reynolds, stenographer at Lowenstines’ Department Store, suffered a slight fracture of the skull and other injuries when she fell out of a window in the rear of the store. She was endeavoring to catch a glimpse of the Sparks’ Brothers Circus Parade Saturday morning when it was traversing Michigan Avenue in Valparaiso.

Rev. James T. Mordy, son-in-law of Mrs. Alice Dalrymple, of Valparaiso, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Rock Island, Ill., has received a call to a Des Moines church at a salary of $4,000 ($72,645 in 2023). Mrs. Mordy is the former Jane Dalrymple.

August 20, 1923

Owing to the great demand for lots along the Dunes Highway, a first addition to the Pines, opened some time ago by a syndicate of Valparaiso men, will be opened up and the sale will begin next week. Two-hundred-and-fifty lots will be offered in the new addition. Harry V. Deopker and Herbert Schleman will be in charge of the sale.

August 21, 1923

Dr. Garrett D. Conover has opened up a new dental office in the new Valparaiso Daily Vidette building on Washington Street. He is located on the second floor.

August 22, 1923

Work was commenced yesterday on the excavation of a new building for the McGill Manufacturing Company. The new structure is to be in proximity to a similar structure erected several years ago on North Campbell Street west of the McGill Metal Company. The Carnegie Construction Company, of Chicago, which has the contract, has placed a sixty-day time limit on completion of the building. McGill has been promised possession by November 1. The same company built the McGill Metal Company buildings.

The purchasing power of a German mark at the present time was revealed in a letter in possession of the Thrift Trust Company, administrator of the estate of Mrs. Anna Slerck. The letter was sent by Mrs. Sierck's sister, Mrs. Fred Buck. According to the letter, it takes 35,000 marks to buy a pound of sago; 30,000 marks for one pound of flour; 10,000 marks for pint of milk; and 100,000 marks for a six-pound loaf of bread. It requires 1,100 marks to send the letter. According to the exchange today, between the United States and Germany, an American Dollar will buy one million marks. Before the World War, a mark was worth 23-and-a-fraction cents ($4.18 in 2023) in United States currency.

August 23, 1923

Work of grading the uncompleted section of the Dunes Highway between Gary and Baillytown was finished yesterday and paving of the two-and-a-half-mile strip will begin at once. A short stretch near Baillytown will not be paved until the grade separation is completed in 1924. The road will be opened around November 1.

The final meeting to close the deal for the purchase of Valparaiso University by the Ku Klux Klan is being held this afternoon at the university. Henry Kinsey Brown, the university trustees, and representatives of the Klan met at 2 o’clock to put the finishing touches to the transaction. Klan officials stated they are ready to go through with the deal.

August 24, 1923

The Good Roads Committee of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce yesterday concluded the deal for the purchase of right-of-way necessary for the elimination of the Malone turn, on Lincoln Highway, six miles east of Valparaiso. H. I. Barnett, Ernest Sachtelben, and T. A. and J. W. Jones, owners of the land, were paid $600 ($10,896 in 2023). The land was acquired under a law which permits chambers of commerce to buy land for the state highway commission and then be reimbursed for the amount.

New street signs and posts for Valparaiso, weighing four-and-a-half tons, arrived today from East Chicago and installation will start within a few days. The signs were made at the plant of the Union Iron Products Company at East Chicago.

August 25, 1923

The Crain Restaurant located in the John L. Foster building at 18 North Washington Street in Valparaiso will be moved by its owner to a building on South College Avenue next to the College Pharmacy. Mr. Foster will either lease the Washington Street building to other parties or occupy it himself.

George A. Wassenberger, instructor in journalism and printing in a high school at Pontiac, Mich., visited Valparaiso today enroute back to Pontiac from a visit to Madison, Wisc. He formerly attended Valparaiso University and was editor of The Torch.

August 26, 1923

Valparaiso and Porter County were visited by a heavy rain and electric storm last night. According to measurements from the Flint Lake Pumping Station, seven inches of rainfall was recorded in twenty-four hours. Near Suman, in Jackson Township, 350 feet of right-of-way of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was washed away. Express Train No. 13 plunged into the whirlpool of waters caused by the flooding creeks. The engine sank into the water, but the cars remained on the tracks. Engineer George Novinger, of Garrett, Ind., was drowned. Fireman C. E. Miller, also of Garrett, swam to safety. Lightning struck a fancy stock barn on the Montdale Farm, east of Valparaiso, owned by Harry Curran, of Chicago, causing a loss of at least $15,000 ($272,418 in 2023).

For the second time in three weeks, Lowell won a baseball tourney at the fairgrounds by defeating Kouts, 3 to 0, and Indiana Harbor 10 to 3. Tim Murchison pitched both games for Lowell. Kouts defeated the Valparaiso Standards in the opening game, 3 to 1. Rainier held Valparaiso to two hits, while Knight allowed Kouts six.

August 27, 1923

J. E. Dreschoff, manager of the Hotel Lembke, announced today that the cafeteria and two floors of the hotel building will be ready for business next Saturday. Work on the hotel has been rushed during the last month, but installation of the plumbing fixtures has been delayed by the completion of the structure. The entire force of hotel employees has been on the job for some time and will be available for the Saturday partial opening.

August 28, 1923

The county commissioners today appropriated $3,500 ($65,564 in 2023) toward the improvement of Lincoln Highway from Garfield Avenue to Valparaiso’s city limits on the east, now being improved by the state highway commission with a tarvia top. The Valparaiso City Council has appropriated $2,000 toward the improvement. The action of the two governmental bodies will make the highway uniform from Garfield Avenue to the Malone Turn.

August 29, 1923

Deputy Sheriff William B. Forney was wounded last night about 10 o’clock in a gun battle between the sheriff’s forces and a gang of three moonshiners at the Frank Persell farm, one-and-a-half miles west of the old Daly School in Portage Township. A bullet from a .38 caliber revolver struck the deputy in the top of the head and burrowed a furrow through the skull. Forney was brought to Christian Hospital in Valparaiso and given treatment. Vincent Joworski, 44, was arrested in the raid. Affidavits were filed today against Nick Slade and Matt Buconich, companions of Joworski.

The grand opening of the new Hotel Lembke, Valparaiso’s modern hostelry, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, according to an announcement made today by J. E. Dreschoff. The cafeteria, lobby, and two floors of the building will be open Saturday at 11 o’clock to the public.

August 30, 1923

Midshipman Byron Loomis, of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., is here on a thirty-day leave of absence for a visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Loomis. He has just returned from a 10,000-mile summer cruise on the U. S. Battleship Florida. Three-thousand sailors were on the cruise this year, and Copenhagen, Denmark; Glasgow, Scotland; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, and other places were visited. The cruise ended with a ten-day target practice off Hampton Roads, Va.

Porter County officials are the target of Michigan City and Gary newspapers for their activity in arresting speeders on the Dunes Highway. The Gary Post Tribune carried a half-column story to the effect that the Kangaroo Court on the Dunes Highway had been suspended for ten days. State police, it is said, have promised a very thorough probe. Facts concerning the way arrests have been made and persons fined were presented to the state police by W. H. Williams, secretary of the Hoosier State Automobile Association.

August 31, 1923

The engine of Baltimore & Ohio Express Train No. 13, which plunged into the washout near Suman last Sunday night during the heavy rains, which destroyed more than four-hundred feet of roadbed, resulting in the death of Engineer George Novinger, of Garrett, Ind., was lifted from the mud yesterday. The engine was badly damaged and will necessitate extensive repairs. C. E. Miller, fireman on the ill-fated train, whose escape from death was considered miraculous, was here yesterday and gave testimony in the accident at the office of Dr. H. O. Seipel, county coroner.

Porter County Surveyor Floyd R. McNiece today announced the appointment of John R. Fabing, of Valparaiso, as deputy county surveyor. He is a graduate of Valparaiso High School and attended Valparaiso University. Fabing has been connected with the surveyor’s office for the past two years.